Behavioral Case Manager (MHP)

Rincon - Building Spaces, Restoring Communities - began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972. Today, we are one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling, crisis intervention, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, and community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs that promote quality of life by advocating, educating, and empowering individuals and their families.

About the role

The Case Manager functions as a member of a multidisciplinary behavioral health team, providing community-based case management, care coordination, and rehabilitative services to individuals enrolled in the CDPH Mental Health Expansion Grant. The Case Manager works collaboratively with clients and their treatment team to address social determinants of health and improve access to behavioral health and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Link clients to mental health, primary care, substance use treatment, housing, employment, education, transportation, financial assistance, and other supportive services.
• Assist with benefits and entitlement applications (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI).
• Monitor progress toward individualized goals and coordinate care across providers.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to connect eligible individuals with behavioral health services.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and social service agencies.
• Advocate for clients by reducing barriers to services and promoting access to community supports.
• Provide community-based behavioral health case management in office, home, hospital, or other community settings.
• Deliver supportive interventions, skill building, advocacy, and psychoeducation to promote recovery, independence, and community integration.
• Recognize behavioral health crises and respond using de-escalation techniques; coordinate with licensed clinicians or emergency services as needed.
• Reinforce safety plans, monitor ongoing risk, and communicate changes in client status to the treatment team.
• Participate in the intake and engagement process, gathering psychosocial, functional, and social determinants of health information.
• Complete required screening and assessment tools (e.g., IM+CANS) and document findings per agency, Medicaid, and grant requirements.
• Identify client strengths, needs, barriers to care, and risk factors; communicate concerns to the supervising clinician and treatment team.
• Collaborate with clients, natural supports, and the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and monitor individualized care coordination goals.
• Review client progress and update care coordination goals as needs change; participate in interdisciplinary case reviews.
• Document outreach, community engagement, and service delivery activities within 48 hours of service.
• Participate in regular supervision with an RFS Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA), with a minimum of one documented session each month.
• Seek consultation for clinical, ethical, or safety concerns outside the scope of practice.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with grant requirements, agency policies, Medicaid regulations, and applicable standards.
• Adhere to state and federal privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2) and agency confidentiality policies.
• Report any PHI breaches to Corporate Compliance, Legal, and Quality departments, as well as the program administrator.
• Complete all required trainings (e.g., state administrative rules, sexual harassment, fraud/waste/abuse, mandated reporter, clinical courses).
• Maintain relevant licenses or certifications for the position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service field or more than 5 years of relevant experience.
• IM+CANS certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Identify precipitating events and gather histories of mental, emotional, and physical disabilities, alcohol/drug use, past services, and criminal justice contacts.
  • Assess family, social, and work relationships.
  • Conduct and document integrated mental health assessments.
  • Utilize diagnostic tools (e.g., LOCUS, ASAM criteria).
  • Under supervision, recommend a DSM diagnosis and write/implement integrated treatment plans.
  • Provide mental health services within the scope of practice.
• Strong case management, planning, and communication skills.
• Ability to tailor communication styles to ensure clients and support structures feel safe and respected.
• Proficiency in de-escalation techniques.
• Understanding of behavioral health needs, including co-occurring disorders, and community resources.
• Ability to adapt, connect, and collaborate across differences.
• Experience working effectively with peers, individual clients, and groups.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records and efficient paperwork.
• Must pass pre-employment background checks, including clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
• Full-time use of a properly licensed and insured automobile with a valid driver’s license or independence in travel arrangements.
• Adherence to the agency’s non-discrimination policies.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (up to 21 days accrued in Year 1, with some carryover allowable)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• City of Chicago commuter transit benefits (for qualifying employees)

Pay

$38,000 – $49,000 annually

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Skills

• Fluency in Spanish and bicultural background strongly preferred.
• Community-based case management and care coordination.
• Advocacy and psychoeducation to promote recovery and independence.
• Crisis response and de-escalation techniques.
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Documentation and compliance with Medicaid, grant, and agency requirements.

Work Environment

The role is primarily community-based, involving travel for hospital discharges, outreach, and engagement activities. Employees must coordinate travel arrangements, including public transit, rideshare, or other accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Staff must inform supervisors of any invisible disabilities or medical restrictions.