Job Description
Be an Early Applicant
Buffalo NY USA
In-Office
60K-107K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Big Data • Healthtech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • Analytics
The Role
The Behavioral Health Advocate assists community service linkage and aids enrollees in treatment goals fostering relationships between providers and payers.
Summary Generated by Built In
Requisition Number: 2359194
Optum is a global organization that delivers care aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care pharmacy benefits data and resources they need to feel their best. Here you will find a culture guided by inclusion talented peers comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The overall purpose of the Behavioral Health Care Advocate is to improve the enrollee's ability to remain stable in the community and out of the hospital. Care Advocates engage people in the treatment process and assist them to access the appropriate community services so they can pursue their treatment goals in the community and avoid institutionalization. This position is also designed to be a direct clinical liaison between health plan staff and the clinical network. The program fosters a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship between the providers and payers of medical and behavioral health services.
This is a field-based position working with adults living in the Buffalo NY area who are enrolled in Medicaid. You will spend 80% of the time meeting with enrollees at hospitals clinical facilities community sites and in their homes. The remaining 20% is spent working remotely at home.
The schedule is Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm -- no weekends evenings or holidays.
Due to business needs current residency in or near Buffalo NY is required.
Primary Responsibilities:
As part of your employment with Optum you'll enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
We're committed to creating a supportive and rewarding environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
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:
Preferred Qualifications:
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 $60200 to $107400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race gender sexuality age location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today however there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race national origin religion age color sex sexual orientation gender identity disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local state or federal laws rules or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Optum is a global organization that delivers care aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care pharmacy benefits data and resources they need to feel their best. Here you will find a culture guided by inclusion talented peers comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The overall purpose of the Behavioral Health Care Advocate is to improve the enrollee's ability to remain stable in the community and out of the hospital. Care Advocates engage people in the treatment process and assist them to access the appropriate community services so they can pursue their treatment goals in the community and avoid institutionalization. This position is also designed to be a direct clinical liaison between health plan staff and the clinical network. The program fosters a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship between the providers and payers of medical and behavioral health services.
This is a field-based position working with adults living in the Buffalo NY area who are enrolled in Medicaid. You will spend 80% of the time meeting with enrollees at hospitals clinical facilities community sites and in their homes. The remaining 20% is spent working remotely at home.
The schedule is Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm -- no weekends evenings or holidays.
Due to business needs current residency in or near Buffalo NY is required.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Identify and provide community service linkage
- Assist enrollees with aftercare appointments
- Provide subsequent member follow-up as determined by individual member needs
- Work with enrollees to identify gaps in care or obstacles to care and problem solve for successful connection to needed services
- Review IP Census each day to determine which enrollees on the census are re-admits within the last 12 months
- Go to facility meetings with treatment team to develop a successful aftercare plan
- Manage the aftercare follow-up of identified high risk enrollees (manage follow-up calls/outreach and documentation)
- Meet with community providers/facilities as company liaison to foster good rapport and relationships and to identify new programs
As part of your employment with Optum you'll enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
- Competitive salaries
- Comprehensive benefits including health insurance 401(k) matching and a wide range of life and wellness resources to support your overall well-being
- Paid time off and paid company holidays
- Continuing education support including CEU and licensure reimbursement
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
- Opportunities to make a meaningful impact by supporting your local community and partnering with area resources
We're committed to creating a supportive and rewarding environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
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:
- Master's degree in Psychology Social Work Counseling or Marriage and Family Counseling; or Licensed Ph.D.; or Registered Nurse with 5+ years of Behavioral Health experience
- Active unrestricted independent license the State of New York:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Psychologist (LP)
- Registered Nurse (RN) with 5+ years of Behavioral Health experience
- 2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
- Demonstrated proficiency with computers and solid working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets
- Dedicated distraction-free home office / workspace with access to install secure high-speed internet at home
- Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation that will allow daily travel throughout an assigned territory to meet with enrollees
- Reside in or near Buffalo NY
Preferred Qualifications:
- Medical/Behavioral setting experience (i.e. hospital managed care organization or joint medical/behavioral outpatient practice)
- Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
- Case Management experience
- Community health experience
- Field based experience
- Experience working with low-income populations
- Experience working with the aged blind or disabled
- Working knowledge of city and state agencies and practices including APS ACS AOT ACT Health Home Forensic and others
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 $60200 to $107400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race gender sexuality age location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today however there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race national origin religion age color sex sexual orientation gender identity disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local state or federal laws rules or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Psychology Social Work Counseling or equivalent
- Active unrestricted license in New York
- 2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
- Proficiency with computers and Excel spreadsheets
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
What the Team is Saying
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
- Healthcare Strength—Health coverage offers multiple plan types with employer HSA contributions in‑network preventive care at 100% and included 24/7 virtual visits alongside dental and vision options. This breadth allows predictable copay choices or tax‑advantaged HSA designs to fit different usage needs.
- Retirement Support—Retirement programs include a 401(k) with employer match eligibility and full vesting over time plus an Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a discount. Together these elements support long‑term savings and ownership.
- Parental & Family Support—Family supports include six weeks paid parental leave paid caregiver leave adoption assistance and subsidized Bright Horizons back‑up care. Emotional well‑being resources like a premium Calm subscription and a 24/7 EAP complement these supports.
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The Company
HQ: Eden Prairie MN
160000 Employees
Year Founded: 2011
What We Do
Optum part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses is a global organization that delivers care aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care pharmacy benefits data and resources they need to feel their best. Here you will find a culture guided by inclusion talented peers comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. At Optum we support your well-being with an understanding team extensive benefits and rewarding opportunities. By joining us you’ll have the resources to drive system transformation while we help you take care of your future. We recognize the power of connection to drive change improve efficiency and make a difference in health care. Join a team where your skills and ideas can make an impact and where collaboration is key to creating technology that produces healthier outcomes.
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Optum Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Optum has three workplace models that balance the needs of the business and the responsibilities of each role. These models core on‑site (5 days/week) hybrid (4 days/week) and telecommute or fully remote vary by country role and location.
Typical time on-site: Not Specified
HQEden Prairie MN
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Date Posted
05/23/2026
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