Behavioral Health Care Advocate (Remote)
Listed compensation
$60k-$107k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
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.
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.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee initial inpatient admission for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients
- Make patient assessments and determine appropriate levels of care
- Administer benefits, review treatment plans, and coordinate transitions between various areas of care
- Obtain information from providers on outpatient requests for treatment
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 or Family Counseling; OR Licensed Ph.D.; OR Registered Nurse
- Current, unrestricted license to practice in the state of residence
- 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
Preferred Qualifications
- Inpatient experience
- Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
- Experience working in an environment that required coordinating benefits and utilizing multiple groups and resources for patients
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)
*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 $60,200 - $107,400 annually 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.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves overseeing initial inpatient admissions for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients while determining appropriate levels of care. Additionally, the advocate will administer benefits, review treatment plans, and coordinate transitions between various areas of care.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field or be a Registered Nurse with a current, unrestricted license. A minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health is required for this position.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Clinical Psychology Career Context
UnitedHealth Group holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 71/100, 1,666 active listings.
Clinical Psychology pay on WeekdayDoc is down 10.9% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $60k–$107k | Clinical Psychology median $88k (middle half $75k–$99k)396 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Clinical Psychology listings | 220 in the last 30 days | 104 the 30 days before (+112%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Clinical Psychology pay trend | −10.9% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
| UnitedHealth Group | silver tier, 71/100 | Top Employers work-life index1,666 active listings |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Behavioral Health Care Advocate (Remote) at UnitedHealth Group a 6.1 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 35% of all Clinical Psychology healthcare professional listings evaluated on our platform. Contributing factors include remote work flexibility.
