Behavioral Health Advocate - Buffalo

Company: Optum
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: March 24, 2026

Job Description:

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 enrolled in the Medicaid program. 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, 8 am to 5 pm, with no weekends, evenings, or holidays. Current residency in one of the locations is required: Brooklyn, Queens, Rochester, Buffalo, or Albany. 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) - 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 - Access to reliable transportation that will allow daily travel throughout an assigned territory to meet with enrollees - Reside in Brooklyn, Queens, Buffalo, Rochester, or Albany in New York 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 All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy 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 $58,800 to $105,000 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. UnitedHealth Group 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. UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Keywords: Optum, Erie , Behavioral Health Advocate - Buffalo, Healthcare , Buffalo, Pennsylvania