The Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to join our team. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.<br/><br/>At OptumHealth, you will perform within an innovative culture that's focused on transformational change in the health care system. You will leverage your skills across a diverse and multi-faceted business. And you will make contributions that will have an impact that's greater than you've ever imagined.<br/><br/>The Strategic Outpatient Engagement & Management (STEM) Care Advocate will complete telephonic clinical reviews directly with Providers to ensure members are getting the most effective and efficient care promoting best practices in the Outpatient psychotherapy and community-based treatment setting.<br/><br/><strong>This position is inbound-queue based, and is fully remote, with a Monday-Friday, 10:30am - 7:00pm CST schedule</strong><br/><br/>You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.<br/><br/><strong>Primary Responsibilities:</strong><br/><br/><ul><li> Focus on outpatient commercial, Medicaid and Medicare behavioral health services </li><li> Conducting outpatient reviews to determine appropriate care </li><li> Assessing if member care meets coverage guidelines </li><li> Shaping member treatment in partnership with providers to ensure best practices </li><li> Administering benefits and reviewing treatment plans </li></ul><br/><br/>You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.<br/><br/><strong>Required Qualifications:</strong><br/><br/><ul><li> Active, unrestricted, Independent Level Clinician in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health </li><li> Active, unrestricted independent licensure in state of residence </li><li> 2+ years of experience in a behavioral health setting </li><li> Outpatient psychotherapy and community-based treatment experience </li><li> Proven MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet) </li><li> Distraction-free space in home to use as a home office </li><li> Access to high-speed internet (DSL or Cable) </li></ul><br/><br/><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong><br/><br/><ul><li> 2+ years of demonstrated experience (post licensure) in a related mental health environment including outpatient services </li><li> Experience working with EMRs (electronic medical records) </li><li> Experience in managed care </li><li> Experience conducting clinical review to determine appropriate levels of care </li><li> Demonstrated telephonic/office-based experience </li><li> Telephone queue experience </li><li> Utilization review/management experience </li></ul><br/><br/>*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.<br/><br/>Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $60,200 - $107,400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.<br/><br/><strong>Application Deadline: </strong>This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
About the Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote Opportunity
UnitedHealth Group is currently hiring for a Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote position based in Remote. This is a full time opportunity suited to candidates who are ready to contribute their skills and grow within a dynamic team environment. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step in your career, this role offers a chance to work on meaningful projects while developing new capabilities.
What the Role Involves
As a Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote, you will be expected to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, take ownership of key deliverables, and contribute ideas that help UnitedHealth Group achieve its goals. Day-to-day responsibilities typically include planning and prioritizing tasks, communicating progress with stakeholders, maintaining high standards of quality, and adapting to evolving business needs. The exact scope of duties may vary depending on team structure and current priorities, so candidates should be comfortable with a role that can evolve over time.
Who UnitedHealth Group is Looking For
Successful candidates generally bring a combination of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving. UnitedHealth Group values individuals who can work independently as well as part of a team, who are detail-oriented, and who bring a positive, adaptable mindset to their work. Prior experience in a similar Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote capacity is beneficial, though a strong willingness to learn and grow is equally important.
This position sits within the Healthcare space, so familiarity with the trends, tools, and standards common to that industry can be an advantage, though it is not always a strict requirement.
Compensation and Benefits
This role offers a compensation package of approximately USD 60200 - 107400 per year, commensurate with experience. In addition to base pay, many roles at UnitedHealth Group may include benefits such as health coverage, paid time off, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work culture designed to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.
Why Join UnitedHealth Group?
Joining UnitedHealth Group as a Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote means becoming part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to bring their own perspective to the table, and the organization aims to foster an environment where people feel supported in doing their best work. This is a great opportunity for candidates who want their contributions to have a real, visible impact.
How to Apply
If you believe you're a strong fit for the Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote role at UnitedHealth Group in Remote, we encourage you to review the full job details above and submit your application through the listed channel. This position was posted on 2026-06-25T14:34:39 and applications are being accepted through 2027-06-20T14:31:20. Early applications are generally encouraged, as competitive roles like this one can attract a high volume of interest.
