Behavioral Health Care Manager

This position may be in San Diego or Thousand Oaks. WellPoint is the nation's leading health benefits insurer and a Fortune Top 50 company. At WellPoint, we are dedicated to improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities. WellPoint strives to be the most trusted choice for consumers and a leader in affordable quality care with an unyielding commitment to meeting the needs of our diverse customers. Bring your expertise to our innovative, performance-focused culture, and you will discover lasting rewards and the opportunity to take your career further than you can imagine.  The Specialty Case Manager manages psychiatric and chemical dependency facility-based and outpatient professional treatment through telephonic or written review. Using appropriate screening criteria, knowledge and clinical judgment, the Specialty Case Manager assesses patient needs and assures that medically necessary treatment is provided in a quality, cost-effective manner. The Specialty Case Manager follows guidelines to refer cases to Medical Advisors. The Specialty Case Manager will possess and demonstrate skills in psychiatric and chemical dependency assessment, negotiation, coordination, implementation, case planning, monitoring, and evaluating; demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills. Completes clinical documentation in computer system. Qualified candidates will have a current, unrestricted CA license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist or RN. 3-5 years experience with facility-based and/or outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment is required. Previous experience in Case Management/ Utilization Review desired. Strong computer skills (Word and Excel) required. Ability to comprehend medical policy and criteria to clearly articulate health information is required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Self motivation and the ability to assume a lead role in ensuring that all objectives are met is desired. WellPoint is ranked as one of America's Most Admired Companies  among health insurers by Fortune magazine  and is a 2008 DiversityInc magazine Top 50 Company for Diversity. To learn more about our company please visit us at www.wellpoint.com/careers.