Case Manager for Children and Adolescents

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing an assigned caseload of children and adolescents experiencing primarily mental health problems. The incumbent is responsible for assessing client needs, developing, implementing and reviewing service plans, and working with other community resources in meeting/achieving client service needs. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Participates as directed in the screening of new service requests within CYFS by means of and agency approved procedure which ensures that all individuals are adequately and appropriately served according to their individual needs and in accordance with existing Board policies and procedures.

2.     Participates in regular interdisciplinary staff meetings held at position location.

3.     Accepts newly assigned cases in which a licensed provider has completed the diagnostic intake. Completes case management assessment on all clients and their families entering caseload.

4.     Develops appropriate treatment/service plans with clients as the means for implementing appropriate services and developing effective alliances with clients and their families.

5.     Provides on-going supportive and/or case management functions in accordance with the problems, needs, and the strategies identified within the service plan in order to help the clients to achieve the stated goals and objectives.

6.     Provides ongoing face to face reviews with the client and/or relevant staff on a regular basis to assess the progress made in reaching service goals so that the service plan can be modified as necessary to ensure that the goals and objectives are being achieved.

7.     Documents all service contacts on a timely basis including face-to-face interviews, collateral and networking contacts, correspondence and maintains the case records in accordance with agency and regulatory standards and requirements.

8.     Participates in interagency planning and service coordination activities as directed to improve and enhance service continuity and effectiveness for clients and their families.

9.     Meets regularly with the immediate supervisor as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing and processing the provision of case management services, and dealing with appropriate administrative issues.

10. Maintains close communication with the consulting psychiatrist for input regarding medication compliance, side effects of medication, and medication changes and alerts identified staff of any changes in client adjustment which might suggest decompensation and a need for more aggressive intervention.

11. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

Considerable knowledge of human behavior and development, especially youth and adolescents; of mental illness, substance abuse/addiction, family dynamics and related treatment modalities, interventions and techniques; of different types of assessments and their uses in treatment planning; and of other relevant youth services agencies and referral systems.

Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to interview and assess child, adolescent and family service needs, using appropriate assessment tools; to develop effective service plans and strategies to meet identified needs; to work effectively with community resources in coordinating services for youth and their families; to work closely and effectively with clients and their families, and other professionals; to gather and document necessary client information, write reports and maintain client records; to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, and to maintain confidentiality according to all relevant regulations and agency requirements.

Physical Requirements:

·        May be exposed to allergenic environments in client’s homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.;

·        May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases;

·        Must be able to drive for long periods of time to visit clients in and out of the catchment area as needed;

·        Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles;

·        Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; and

·        Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess a combination of mental health work experience or relevant education, and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties. Bachelor degree earned from an accredited college or university in relevant human services field plus at least one-year experience working with children to meet Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) according to DMAS requirements also required. Must possess a valid Driver’s License, good driving record and the ability to provide own transportation.