Licensed Therapist

Optum; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to support Medicaid-enrolled adults in the Buffalo area. This field-based role focuses on helping members stay stable in the community by connecting them to behavioral health resources, coordinating aftercare, and reducing hospital readmissions.

You will serve as a liaison among health plan teams, providers, and community organizations, blending care coordination, case management, and behavioral health advocacy to improve member

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, M&F counseling, or licensed Ph.D. in NY.
• Active NY independent license (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist).
• 2+ years of experience in a mental health-related setting.
• Proficiency with computers and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license and residence in or near Buffalo, NY; ability to travel.
• Willingness to maintain a dedicated home workspace and travel throughout the territory.

Responsibilities

• Support Medicaid-enrolled adults across the Buffalo area in the community.
• Coordinate transitions of care and aftercare planning post-hospitalization.
• Connect members with community resources and address barriers to care.
• Collaborate with treatment teams, providers, and community agencies; blend care coordination, case management and advocacy.

Skills

Behavioral health advocacy

Care coordination

Case management

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, M&F Counseling, or Licensed Ph.D.

Tools

Excel

Job description

Optum is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to support Medicaid-enrolled adults throughout the Buffalo area. This field-based role focuses on helping members remain stable in the community by connecting them to behavioral health resources, coordinating aftercare services, reducing hospital readmissions, and serving as a liaison between health plan teams, providers, and community organizations.

Position Highlights

• Field-based role supporting adult Medicaid members throughout the Buffalo area
• Coordinates transitions of care and aftercare planning following hospitalization
• Connects members with community resources and addresses barriers to care
• Collaborates with treatment teams, providers, and community agencies
• Combines care coordination, case management, and behavioral health advocacy

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling, or Licensed Ph.D.
• Active New York independent license (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist)
• 2+ years of experience in a mental health-related setting
• Proficiency with computers and Excel
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and residence in or near Buffalo, NY
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory and maintain a dedicated home workspace