Case Manager Adult

 Purpose:

The Case Manager affects improvement in the lives of individuals who experience severe mental illness who are seeking care by assisting them with oversight of their physical, mental health and financial wellness, based on their needs. They are community-based and work closely with the individual’s behavioral health team, medical staff, and family members to ensure they are adequately supported.

Accountabilities:

• Engage individuals and families as partners in services and develop positive, hopeful, and trusting relationships.
• Participate as an active member of the service provider team.
• Conduct assessments and participate in treatment plan or plan of care development.
• Mediate between clients/families and other professionals directing services and care.
• Manage the emotional distress experienced by clients and their families in avoiding and resolving crisis situation. Exercise discretion and independent judgment when determining a course of action. Maintain the ability to compare and evaluate possible courses of conduct and actions, or make a decision beyond standardized lines, as required by circumstances.
• Build client relationships, as well as business relationships and strategic partnerships with other agencies and external resources.

o Mediate between clients/families and other professional services to facilitate care plans, strengths assessments, and establish access to other resources and providers.

o Assert expertise in behavioral healthcare when dealing with courts, social services, professionals, doctors and education systems on behalf of the individual client/family to facilitate goals and objectives of client, care team and organization.

o Advocate for resources on behalf of the client and family with state, government and private agencies. Complete forms and facilitate processes as deemed appropriate by circumstances.

• Recognize and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Help others succeed by demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbance, and the ability to react effectively in a wide variety of human service situations. Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all clients served.
• Complete all documentation and reporting requirements thoroughly and on time.
• Interact positively with other members of the agency and team, including active participation in supervision activities, team meetings, continuing education, etc.
• Regularly travel and transport clients and/or families in and around the region, and provide direct care and support as needed.
• Complete a comprehensive series of job-specific training in field of case management and social services and maintain on-going education regarding professional development, State, Federal, organizational and professional standards, including regulations, laws, compliance and ethical standards and practices.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social work, psychology, rehabilitation or other related health fields. Equivalent education plus experience will also be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience:

• Preferred experience in the mental health field, specifically with community based and/or outreach work
• Familiar with the needs of individuals with mental health diagnoses; preferred experience working with individuals with severe mental illness.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including both oral and written.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with both Center staff and various community agencies.
• Ability to work autonomously in the community and be proactive in outreach
• Ability to facilitate planning meetings with individuals from multiple systems.
• Proficient in use of technology, including Microsoft Office.
• Must provide proof of current Driver’s License (non-suspended & non-expired)
• Must provide and maintain dependable transportation, comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, and clean driving record. Must be willing to submit to a vehicle inspection or provide proof of inspection within last year.
• Ability to build and maintain close working relationships with clients and community partners.
• Complies with all relevant Center policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as deemed appropriate by immediate supervisor or designate.
• Ability to recognize and be sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Clearance through the Kansas Child Abuse/Neglect Register and criminal background check.