Behavioral Intake Counselor (Remote)

About the role

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is hiring a Behavioral Intake Counselor (BIC) for the County of San Diego's 24/7 Access and Crisis Line (ACL), which offers free, confidential access to behavioral health services and crisis intervention for San Diego residents. The role is remote, with flexible telecommuting from anywhere in the U.S. during PST hours, and covers five 8-hour shifts (Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm-9:30pm PST).

Key responsibilities

• Manage calls coming from the 988 Lifeline and answer calls and chats within standard service levels.
• Triage callers based on mental health and substance use disorder symptoms and conduct behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and an adapted ASAM screening.
• Establish an emotional connection, identify needs, recognize risk factors and refer callers to the most appropriate level of care.
• Conduct crisis work, ensure safety, and document interactions in a clinical manner in the designated database, adhering to DHCS requirements.
• Enter accurate clinical information into the Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR).
• Meet performance goals, solve technical issues, and train crisis line staff in protocol adherence and compliance.

Required profile

• Master's or doctorate degree in human services or behavioral health.
• 2+ years of postgraduate behavioral clinical experience (psychosocial assessments, therapy, substance use treatment, case consultation or case management).
• 1+ year of crisis management experience and 1+ year of experience with diverse, multi-ethnic and socioeconomic populations.
• 1+ year of experience working with psychological disorders and addictions.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.
• Preferred: 1+ years of call center experience and ability to use the Medi-Cal EHR.

What we offer

• Hourly pay of $24.00 to $43.00 for full-time employment.
• Paid time off starting in the first pay period plus 8 paid holidays.
• Medical plan, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan.
• Education reimbursement, employee discounts, an employee assistance program and voluntary benefits.