Behavioral Intake Counselor

June 4, 2026

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.<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;-webkit-user-drag:none;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:none !important;orphans:2;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;user-select:text;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-US"> 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. <span class="eop" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;-webkit-user-drag:none;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;orphans:2;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;user-select:text;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> 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, conduct a behavioral health screening which includes an adapted ASAM screening, recognize and properly follow up on any risk factors, and 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: Friday - Monday 2pm - 12:30amInitial Training: 1 month: Monday to Friday – Typically 7- 4.30pm depending on trainer availabilityCandidates must be available for both the training schedule and working schedule, this is not flexible.You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:Responsibilities for Behavioral Intake Counselors include: <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Adhere to all applicable laws and ethics (HIPAA, Exceptions to confidentiality, Reporting Abuse, Duty to Warn etc.)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Answer calls/chats within standard service levels</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Apply sound clinical judgement and consult with fellow clinical professionals when indicated</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Triage calls/chats based on presenting mental health and/or substance use disorder symptoms</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Conduct appropriate behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and adapted ASAM</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Provide customized, behavioral health referrals</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Conduct crisis work and ensure safety</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Document all interaction in a succinct, clinical manner in the designated database; documentation must adhere to Dept. of Health Clinical Service (DHCS) requirements</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Meeting individual performance goal</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Problem solves technical issues</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Elevate operational issues/ concerns to supervisor or manager</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">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</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Other duties as assigned</li></ul>You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. Required Qualifications:<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Master’s Degree or Doctorate within human services such as Psychology, Sociology or equivalent</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">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</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">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</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">1+ years of experience in responding to individuals in crisis by applying de-escalation strategies, motivational interviewing skills, and empathetic, trauma informed care</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">1+ years of experience working with diverse multi-ethnic/socioeconomic populations; myriads of psychological disorders and addictions</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Ability to access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">Bilingual: Spanish/English</li></ul>Preferred Qualifications: <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;tab-stops:list .5in;">1 or more years of prior experience in a call center</li></ul>*All Telecommuters 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 hourly pay for this role will range from $23.89 to $42.69 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.<span class="eop" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;-webkit-user-drag:none;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;mso-color-alt:windowtext;orphans:2;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;user-select:text;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;"> Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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 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. UnitedHealth Group is 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 is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. #RPO #GREEN

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