Case Manager - Supported Employment

Purpose:

Case Manager- Supported Employment engage and establish trusting, collaborative relationships with clients directed toward the goal of competitive employment and/or education completion. Case Manager- Supported Employment work closely with the Behavioral Health team, Medical Staff, Family Members and Community Partners/Employers to ensure that client needs are adequately met and supported. The Supported Employment Specialist team is responsible for the planning, assessment, placement, development and follow through of community based employment for people with severe and persistent mental illness.

Accountabilities:

• Utilizes a Strengths-Based approach to help clients learn about different jobs, careers, and educational/vocational programs by coordinating with meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest clients, attending job fairs or meetings with academic advisors
• Develops an individualized employment and/or education plan with clients, incorporating input from mental health team and family members, with client permission.
• Ongoingly, discuss accommodations, disclosure options and client rights.
• Provides follow along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment or completing an educational/vocational program.
• Conducts job development and job search activities specific to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment. Conducts an average of six employer contacts per week.
• Collaborates with educational staff in the Office for Disability Services, professors/instructors, and personnel at the Financial Aid Office.
• Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, for example, meeting clients at their homes, workplaces, coffee shops, libraries, workforce centers, state VR office and family homes.
• Participates in face-to-face meetings with state Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors monthly and the behavioral health treatment team weekly to coordinate and integrate vocational services for clients.
• Assists clients in obtaining individualized information about how entitlements (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) will be affected by employment so clients can make decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Facilitate groups on vocational related topics.
• 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 n a wide variety of human service situations. Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire the development of all clients served.
• 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

Essential Functions: 

Achieve Results

• Ensure that all clients seen in this facility are treated with dignity and respect, and experience effective yet minimally restrictive case management intervention. Meet or exceed the organization’s access standards for timely service.
• Develop, implement, monitor and/or modify treatment plans (according to Medicaid and agency standards), as appropriate, in order to achieve client-specific goals. Ensure that treatment plans reflect a balance of client input, information from strengths and needs assessment, and other clinical assessments, as appropriate. 
• Meet or exceed departmental goals and expectations for productivity standards.
• Ensure that each client receives the highest level and quality of services available.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure that all treatments and interventions are delivered consistent with their programmatic intent and outcomes. Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and best practices in order to satisfy case      supervision requirements.
• Actively research and engage in the  identification of internal and external resources and benefits which may be advantageous to the clients being served. Ensure all clients are appropriately connected or linked to resources necessary for them to      accomplish their expected treatment plans and outcomes.
• Ensure regular and consistent communication/feedback with supervisors regarding the practical application of professional training, best practices, philosophies and standards consistent with those taught and directed by the organization.

Relationships

• Develop and maintain respectful,  courteous and professional relationships with all clients and their families. Work closely with all others involved in delivery of services to ensure that client needs are being met.
• Maintain positive, effective working relationships with other staff members, volunteers, donors, vendors, and other internal resource relationships critical to the efficient and effective operation of the organization.
• Develop and expand positive working relationships with current referral sources and related external partners and continue to seek out additional community services and benefits which may be of value to clients served.

Leadership and Workplace Culture

• Uphold and ensure all activities and conduct are compliant with internal policies, as well as all relevant laws and regulations. Model the values and the mission of the organization at all times, and act as good stewards of the organization’s resources.
• Proactively seek out and engage in professional development activities in order to remain current with best      practices.

Demonstrate behaviors that contribute to team cohesion and result in a positive, effective work team environment

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.