Mary Konnesky
Saint Louis,MO
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience at Optum as a behavioral health care advocate serving members with co-occurring diagnoses across commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid health plans,. Recognized for a strong commitment to a team environment that improves patient outcomes. Expertise in the behavioral health field and consistently build and maintain positive relationships with members, referral partners, and providers.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Behavior Health Care Manager
Landmark Health -Optum Home and Community
Saint Louis , MO
02.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs, facilitating targeted support.
- Provide brief therapeutic interventions including Behavior Activation, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Health Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
- Exceeded expectations of patient outcomes with 54% decrease in anxiety symptoms and 58% decrease in depression symptoms at time of case closure.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Participated in interdisciplinary case conferences fostering teamwork collaboration sharing best practice insights to optimize patient care outcomes.
Behavioral Health Advocate/Wellness Recovery Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
01.2008 - 02.2023
- Provided telephonic comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Documented case management activity for accurate, reliable records on multiple platforms including ICUE, LINX, Community Care.
- Exceeded expectations on routine chart and call audits with scores of 90% or higher.
- Developed strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills that have positively impacted all stakeholders.
- Identified and presented process strategies for improving efficiency and effectiveness in workflows.
- Negotiated quick, efficient and effective decisions to resolve cases and issues.
Behavioral Health (Transition) Advocate
Medical and Behavioral Health Discharge Pilot
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Selected to be part of cohesive and integrated team to support acute inpatient medical cases with co-occurring behavioral health diagnoses.
- Coordinate with facility social workers and discharge care managers establishing viable discharge plan to decrease readmission.
- Contact members as appropriate while admitted providing patient education, discussing aftercare and discharge planning.
- Regularly scheduled telephonic follow-up with members ensuring adequate linkages to community providers.
Inpatient Care Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
01.2008 - 11.2008
- Conducted focused facility-based reviews effectively and efficiently.
- Reviewed patients progress toward discharge based on clinical information, medical record reviews and treatment plan goals.
- Identified and examined gaps and other contributing factors to facility-based care readmissions.
- Managed complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
Assessment and Triage Care Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
12.2005 - 11.2025
- Managed inbound, queue-based from psychiatric care programs seeking behavioral health and substance use services including which included authorization and clinical review.
- Consulted with providers and facilities using best practices to identify symptoms, recovery and resiliency needs, desired patient outcomes , and discuss appropriate levels of care based on clinical presentation and risk factors.
- Provided case management services through review and evaluation of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health treatments for medical necessity, emergency status, and quality of care.
Outpatient and Inpatient Therapist
Gateway Regional Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2005
SASS Supervisor and Therapist (Crisis Intervention)
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2000 - 01.2004
Education
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Mental Health
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 08.1996 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology/Sociology
Drury University
Springfield, MO 08.1989 - 05.1993
Skills
- Professional and Calm Demeanor
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Member Focus
- Clinical Documentation
- Resource Utilization
Certification
- Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker #149-010196
- Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker #20040109912
- New Jersey License Clinical Social Worker #44SC05761200
Timeline
Behavior Health Care Manager
Landmark Health -Optum Home and Community
02.2023 - Current
Behavioral Health (Transition) Advocate
Medical and Behavioral Health Discharge Pilot
03.2022 - 08.2022
Behavioral Health Advocate/Wellness Recovery Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
01.2008 - 02.2023
Inpatient Care Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
01.2008 - 11.2008
Assessment and Triage Care Advocate
Optum Care Advocacy
12.2005 - 11.2025
Outpatient and Inpatient Therapist
Gateway Regional Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2005
SASS Supervisor and Therapist (Crisis Intervention)
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2000 - 01.2004
Masters of Social Work - Clinical Mental Health
University of Missouri
08.1996 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology/Sociology
Drury University
08.1989 - 05.1993
- Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker #149-010196
- Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker #20040109912
- New Jersey License Clinical Social Worker #44SC05761200
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