Case Manager

About the Role

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Case Managers assist with monitoring consumer’s well-being including needs in the areas of mental health, physical health, living, learning, working, and social environments. Case managers travel to wherever consumers reside, whether that is at home, boarding homes, or other community-based living to provide monitoring. When working with children, they also visit schools. The primary role of the case manager is to increase psychological adjustment for the consumer by empowering the consumers and sometimes family members with information, education, and support in order to follow through once case management ends.

Responsibilities

• Maintains caseload effectively, processing referrals in a timely manner and participates in assessment unit intake process as appropriate and requested.
• Conducts a Functional Needs Assessment (FNA) on each referral or identified patient.
• Consults with Care Coordinator to explore any existing medical needs.
• Complies with completing goals to be achieved, creates, and maintains an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) within 30 days of contact.
• Provides appropriate linkage to community resources.
• Coordinates implementation of internal services as appropriate.
• Maintains an itemized list of resources being utilized for each patient and regularly monitors to ensure the service is still needed and/or appropriately meeting their needs.
• Collaborates with Benefits Specialist, Representative payee, Transporter/Shopper, Basic Living Skills (BLS) instructors, etc.
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and regularly provides feedback on the patient’s status.
• Evaluates the patient for discharge planning.
• Complies with the Chapter 106 Medicaid Standards.

Supervision and Consultation

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed.
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement.
• Actively works to enhance care management skills.

Clinical Record Keeping

• Documents in a timely fashion per Altapointe policy.
• Documents appropriate, complete, and comprehensive assessments.
• Documents measurable and specific goals in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Documents in a clear and concise manner, types of patient problems, ISP goals addressed, and services provided in the direct service record.
• Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up, and referrals.

Professional Conduct

• Maintains courteous and respectful attitudes towards patients, visitors, and co-workers.
• Treats patients with care, dignity, and respect.
• Respects patient’s privacy and confidentiality.
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others.
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others.
• Is sensitive to the patient’s needs, expectations, and individual differences.

Caseload Management

• Effectively manages caseload based on patient’s needs.
• Makes frequent contacts with patients.
• Meets Altapointe productivity standards.

Administrative Duties

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Actively participates in Altapointe committees as required.
• Follows Altapointe policies and procedures.
• Attends required in-service training and other workshops.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, sitting, and walking in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes. Extended pacing with the consumer may be required (time undetermined). Ability to change positions as permitted by the consumer’s behavior.
• Occasional forward bending from the hips while kneeling to reach to the side.
• Occasional need to assume a full squat/lunge from a standing position.
• Occasional need to maintain back extension while on stomach with body weight on hips and legs for several minutes.
• Occasionally, support body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side.
• Occasionally kneel and reach to the same side toward the floor.
• Lift up to 10 pounds occasionally during shift.
• Strong grasp needed to use keys to open doors and maintain constant contact with a consumer during a take-down procedure or other hold techniques.
• Pushing/pulling force up to 25 pounds occasionally during a shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental health discipline.
• Must be at least age 23, maintain a valid verifiable driver license, and maintain a clear driving record.

Required Knowledge

Knowledge in mental health service provision, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment:

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and substance use in the adult population.
• Knowledge of cultural diversity.
• Knowledge of behavioral management and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of available community resources and internal services.
• Certified by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health to provide adult case management services.