EAP Counselor - Remote

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

The EAP Specialists provide clinical expertise to conduct a thorough telephonic assessment of risk to self or others, clinical screening for substance abuse and medical co-morbidities for member calls.  Solution Focused Consultation, Motivational Interviewing and short term problem resolution are the clinical modalities used to develop an individualized action plan.  Within the context of the consultation, the EAP Specialists guide individuals to appropriate benefits and resources provided by employer, community, and other cross-carrier vendors.  EAP Specialists coordinate and facilitate the response to high risk situations through consultation with licensed staff.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Engage individually with member to clinically and holistically assess the reason for call and presenting needs including, issues impacting the individual’s personal wellbeing, emotional and physical health, and personal safety
• Conduct thorough assessment of risk of harm to self, or others; assist with safety planning and coordinating services with emergency personnel and hospital staff through consultation with licensed staff in order to access appropriate level of care and ongoing support. Coordinate follow-up care and services to individuals and organizations, as appropriate
• Develop next steps and identify meaningful goals and resources utilizing Solution Focused Consultation model
• Provide appropriate type of service based on member’s presentation, clinical history and needs and accurately differentiate between EAP and BH services
• Formulate short term problem resolution plan of action, and provide Full Benefit Exploration reviewing the appropriate tools and resources to support the plan, and offer and refer clients to additional benefits including access to Specialty Help Center Specialists, Health Coaches, Health Advisors, and community resources as appropriate
• Authorize additional services including behavioral health, and/or contracted EAP and behavioral health network providers
• Formulate accurate description of member’s clinical presentation in their individual clinical records and maintaining appropriate records, case notes, forms and reports as well as database entries
• Quote and explain benefit coverage to members and providers; follow appropriate benefit procedures
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and training opportunities
• Consult as required with licensed staff and supervisors

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 or related mental health field
• 2 years of experience in a mental health/clinical setting
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport, assess and address risk, and develop goals with members in a telephonic, and/or online
• Demonstrated ability to work with a culturally and geographically diverse population
• Demonstrated ability to address a variety of problems and issues as presented by callers
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and creatively with other professional team members 
• Proven solid written, verbal and interpersonal skills are required. Qualified staff must be able to use various computer applications and move through computer screens while talking with members
• Proven willingness to support and grow both the culture and mission of Optum and UnitedHealth Group

Preferred Qualifications:    

Independent professional license, such as Licensed Psychologist (L.P.), LMFT, LICSW, LPC, LCSW and LPCC

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Washington Residents Only: The hourly range for California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Washington residents is $22.45 to $43.89 per hour. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. 

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

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.    

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers 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 

Salary : $1 - $1,000,000