[Hiring] Behavioral Intake Counselor @UnitedHealth Group

Role Description

The Behavioral Intake Counselor (BIC) is a position for the County of San Diego’s 24/7 Access and Crisis Line (ACL) which provides free, confidential access to behavioral health services and crisis intervention for the 3.3 million San Diegans.

• Behavioral Health Access
  • Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services within the system of care.
  • ACL clinicians need to quickly establish an emotional connection with the individual seeking help.
  • Identify their needs and conduct a behavioral health screening which includes an adapted ASAM screening.
  • Recognize and properly follow up on any risk factors.
  • Help provide linkage to the most appropriate type and level of care based on the collective screenings and preferences of the caller/chatter.
• Working Schedule:
  • 4 day working week: Sun-Wed 8am-6:30pm PST
• Initial Training:
  • 1 month: Monday to Friday – Typically 7-4:30pm depending on trainer availability.
  • Candidates must be available for both the training schedule and working schedule; this is not flexible.
• Flexibility to telecommute from anywhere within the U.S.

Primary Responsibilities

• Adhere to all applicable laws and ethics (HIPAA, Exceptions to confidentiality, Reporting Abuse, Duty to Warn etc.)
• Answer calls/chats within standard service levels.
• Apply sound clinical judgement and consult with fellow clinical professionals when indicated.
• Triage calls/chats based on presenting mental health and/or substance use disorder symptoms.
• Conduct appropriate behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and adapted ASAM.
• Provide customized, behavioral health referrals.
• Conduct crisis work and ensure safety.
• Document all interaction in a succinct, clinical manner in the designated database; documentation must adhere to Dept. of Health Clinical Service (DHCS) requirements.
• Access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR).
• Meeting individual performance goals.
• Problem solve technical issues.
• Elevate operational issues/concerns to supervisor or manager.
• Gain experience training crisis line staff to support adherence to established protocols, quality benchmarks, and compliance requirements, while strengthening personal competency on the crisis line.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or Doctorate within human services such as Psychology, Sociology or equivalent.
• If Registered with a licensing entity such as the Board of Behavioral Science, must have a “cleared” status - not on probation and no pending corrective actions.
• 2+ years of post-graduate degree providing direct clinical services: psychosocial assessments, individual therapy, substance use disorder drug/alcohol treatment, case consultation with multidisciplinary team; case management; developing treatment plans with short/long-term goals; maintain confidential files; in-service training and discharge planning.
• 1+ years of experience in responding to individuals in crisis by applying de-escalation strategies, motivational interviewing skills, and empathetic, trauma-informed care.
• 1+ years of experience working with diverse multi-ethnic/socioeconomic populations; myriads of psychological disorders and addictions.
• Ability to access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR).
• Bilingual: Spanish/English.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 or more years of prior experience in a call center.

Requirements

• All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Benefits

• Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc.
• Comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).
• The hourly pay for this role will range from $24.00 to $43.00 per hour based on full-time employment.
• We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline

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.