Care Navigator

Company: Optum
Location: San Diego
Posted on: March 24, 2026

Job Description:

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus for External Candidates Optum is seeking a Manager of Medical and Clinical Operations to join our team in San Diego, CA. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone. This position will be based primarily on-site from a Community Transition Center in San Diego with minimal travel (no more than 25%) to various probation offices/jails locally within the SD area. Required schedule is Friday through Tuesday 9:30am - 6:00pm Responsible for facilitating and providing linkage to behavioral health services in system of care to justice involved client. Provides clinical services in the manner of behavioral health screenings, short term case management, coordination, and consultation with behavioral health treatment providers, San Diego Probation and ancillary services. Primary Responsibilities: - Inpatient experience - Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse - Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients - Knowledge of the system of care in San Diego - Experience with individuals involved in the justice system - Conducts comprehensive behavioral health screenings in a dynamic environment to include jail and other settings - Review available behavioral health history to coordinate services and assure appropriate level of care for clients - Identification, awareness and establishing contacts of specific community resources for justice involved population and the enrollment process - Leads coordination of appropriate level of care linkage for Post Release Offenders to community behavioral health and ancillary services - Guides the provision of short-term clinical case management to ensure continuity of behavioral health and medical services - Available to assist BHST Care Advocates in daily operations and duties - Navigates and advocates within behavioral health system of care on behalf of clients as needed - Models and engages clients to participate in screening process and work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to develop case plans, provide linkage to care based on their individual needs, preference, and objectives - Exemplifies the use of motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify and understand intrinsic goals and engage in behavior change - Participates in ongoing multi-disciplinary team meetings providing education and consultation with regards to linkage to behavioral health and ancillary services within system of care - Guides clinical care consultations with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation personnel, San Diego Sheriff's department, probation officers, and community treatment providers - Advances the troubleshooting of internal and external problems - Assess for safety risks / provides crisis intervention and behavioral health screenings for population - Receives and reviews clinical screenings, linkage and levels of care requests - Assist in orientation of Behavioral Health System of care to Probation partners - Provides ongoing education of behavioral health system of care to providers, consumers, and other stakeholders - Makes suggestions for change and improvements in the functioning of the department and coordination of care within the system of care with Probation partners, Behavioral Health Services and Treatment providers - Maintain timely and appropriate clinical documentation records in San Diego County Probation and Behavioral Health Electronic Health records - Use of technological systems to support clinical delivery of services - Requires access to Cerner Electronic Health Record which includes Protected Health Information and Probation Case Management System - Adheres to pertinent HIPAA rules and regulations - Other duties and responsibilities as required 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 Social work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Counseling, or related field from an accredited university - Licensed eligible/registered associate with BBS in social work, psychology (Ph.D. or PsyD), marriage and family therapy (AMFT), or professional clinical counseling - Completed all 3000 hours and ready for licensing exam - Experience in direct clinical care in a behavioral health treatment setting with emphasis on assessment, case management, and crisis intervention - Must provide licensure within six months of employment Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 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 $49,700 to $88,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 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. OptumCare 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. OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Keywords: Optum, Colton , Care Navigator, Healthcare , San Diego, California