Community Based Case Manager - Outreach; Safety Net

 Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.  

Zepf Center's Runaway Youth Shelter is a critical lifeline for young people in our community and throughout Northwest Ohio. Designed to provide temporary shelter for runaway, homeless, or at-risk youth, Safety Net also provides care coordination for mental health and primary care services, life skills development, and academic support. 

We are currently seeking a part-time Community Based Case Manager-Outreach: Safety Net. The purpose of this position is to provide a wide range of community support and coordination of services to youth experiencing serious mental illness and/or addiction challenges to ensure their needs are addressed. The Case Manager supports clients in the development of their short and long-term goals and acquisition of community resources using a person-centered approach. Services will be provided with respect to cultural preferences and in accordance with client’s rights. The person in this position participates in development of comprehensive care coordination and treatment planning, advocates for persons on their caseload, utilizes evidence-based assessments, provides linkage and referral to additional community resources as needed, coordinates crisis intervention services and generally supports the client in their pursuit of emotional and physical health and wellness. Levels of support required by people on caseload may vary greatly. The Case Manager works with the client in the community, home environment, and at agency locations.

Hours: Three days a week, Monday-Friday, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses client strengths and needs with the client and applicable team members, conducts comprehensive care coordination, and develops treatment plans. Monitors and evaluates client progress toward goal attainment. Reviews and modifies treatment plans as needed.
• Maintains contact with the client as indicated in the treatment plan or as needed to ensure stability. Communicates with and provides support to clients in achieving goals and outcomes. Provides active outreach as necessary, including crisis intervention and management, and acquisition of appropriate community supports.
• Links and/or refers clients to other services, programs, and agencies as needed. Assists in assuring clients obtain and retain applicable entitlements and follows up on same. Serves as an advocate for clients. With appropriate releases, communicates with family members and significant others as indicated.
• Confers with supervisor and other team members regarding clients and, as appropriate, other agencies with emphasis on provision of most appropriate, effective, and cost-efficient services.
• May provide face-to-face contact with clients who are hospitalized to facilitate discharge planning and coordination of services. Works with hospital and agency medical staff regarding same.
• Assists clients in tracking and keeping appointments.
• Assists clients with developing skills that lead to independence
• Provides back up for other staff.
• Completes required documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with timelines and standards required by the agency i.e. within 48 hours of interaction, regulatory bodies, and payors. Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Carries out policies and procedures of the agency; may participate in community work, staff development, agency-wide projects; serve on agency committees/teams, attend meetings, and performs other related duties as requested.
• Training requirements include CPR, CPI, new hire, Sanctuary and annual boosters in addition to any required trainings assigned during employment
• Must be able to safely drive-in all-weather conditions in support of client needs
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific/Individual Competencies:

• Professional approach to all functions and relationships with all levels of staff, clients, other agencies, and the public.
• Abides by the agency’s code of ethics.
• Strives to continuously improve own and agency objectives and operations.
• Incorporates Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) techniques into daily work activities.
• Participates on CQI process teams and/or supports CQI initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is dynamic and involves extensive interaction with individuals and families, cooperation with multiple community organizations, as well as computer-based data entry and monitoring. It demands cultural and racial diversity awareness and sensitivity. The employee is expected to uphold a standard of patient engagement.

• Employees may interact with a diverse group of individuals, some of whom may display anger and frustration due to stressful situations. These individuals may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and require treatment.
• The employee will be exposed to and need to deal with a range of emotionally charged issues in a compassionate, trauma-informed manner.

Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency commercial insurance carrier. Those who drive personal vehicles during business must be able to provide proof of insurance.

• HS Diploma and/or equivalent with three years of experience
• OR Bachelors or Masters degree in a related field
• Valid Driver’s License
• QHMS certification required (at minimum) throughout employment
• Social Work License and Mental Health experience preferred

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO