Combine two of the fastest-growing fields on the planet with a culture of performance, collaboration and opportunity and this is what you get. Leading edge technology in an industry that is improving the lives of millions. Here, innovation is not about another gadget; it is about making health care data available wherever and whenever people need it, safely and reliably. There is no room for error. If you are looking for a better place to use your passion and your desire to drive change, this is the place to be. It's an opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)You have high standards. So, do we. Here at UnitedHealth Group, this includes offering an innovative new standard for care management. It goes beyond counseling services and verified referrals to programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. That means you'll have an opportunity to make an impact on a huge scale - as part of an incredible team culture that's defining the future of behavioral health care.As a Behavioral Care Advocate within the Optum's dedicated Maryland Medicaid Behavioral Health team you will use your clinical skills to conduct initial and concurrent reviews of Behavioral Health services. You will work interdependently with internal teams, external partners, and vendors in a manner consistent with the highest levels of performance and professionalism to accomplish critical tasks. As a key resource, your positive approach and dedication to teamwork will enable you to provide outstanding assistance. This position provides a great opportunity to have an impact on the lives of our participant as you recommend and manage the appropriate level of care.This position will float between clinical teams based on business needs.If you are located in Maryland, you will have the flexibility to telecommute* as you take on some tough challenges. Primary Responsibilities: Review both initial and concurrent requests for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder authorizations submitted through a provider portal Obtain additional information from providers on requests submitted for treatment services as needed Guide telephonic reviews, obtain relevant clinical information from providers, determine appropriate levels of care, and administer public behavioral health benefits Oversee initial and continued stay requests for authorization to inpatient, substance use, and dual diagnosis treatment services Make patient assessments and determine appropriate levels of care Coordinate transitions between various levels of careYou'll find the pace fast and the challenges ongoing. We'll expect you to achieve and document measurable results. You'll also need to think and act quickly while working with a diverse member population.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.Required Qualifications: Independently Licensed Master's level clinician in: Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage & Family Counseling; OR Licensed Ph.D.; OR Registered Nurse with Behavioral Health experience Active, unrestricted, independent license in the state of Maryland (ie, LP, LCSW, LCSW-C, LCMFT, or LCPC) or RN 2+ years of behavioral health clinical experience in a behavioral health setting Access to high-speed internet (Cable Broadband, DSL, Fiber Optic) and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at homePreferred Qualifications: 1+ years of experience utilizing ASAM and determining appropriate level of care 1+ years of experience applying Maryland Medicaid Level of Care Guidelines 6+ months of experience with utilization management Experience with Medicaid populations Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance use Telephone queue experience Knowledge of public resources throughout Maryland Bilingual, Spanish Ability to think and act quickly in a fast-paced setting Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID-19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodationTo protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employmentCareers with Optum. Here's the idea. We built an entire organization around one giant objective; make health care work better for everyone. So when it comes to how we use the world's large accumulation of health-related information, or guide health and lifestyle choices or manage pharmacy benefits for millions, our first goal is to leap beyond the status quo and uncover new ways to serve. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, brings together some of the greatest minds and most advanced ideas on where health care has to go in order to reach its fullest potential. For you, that means working on high performance teams against sophisticated challenges that matter. Optum, incredible ideas in one incredible company and a singular opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.