Case Manager (Behavioral Health)

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Case Manager provides mental health prevention and early intervention to the community. This role is integral to delivering case management and access services to UHC patients through the UHC Behavioral Health Clinic, focusing on individuals presenting early signs of mental illness.

The Case Manager works closely with primary care providers and the patient care team to deliver direct care, assist in consultative contacts through "warm handoffs," and collaborate with UHC Perinatal services for psycho-social and social service referrals. This position also ensures operational effectiveness by interfacing with other departments and managing assigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to UHC patients with behavioral health problems or social service needs.
• Assist primary care providers in consultative contact for patients through assessment and "warm handoffs."
• Collaborate with the UHC Perinatal services program for referral and treatment of patients needing psycho-social and social service care.
• Demonstrate exemplary customer service in verbal and written encounters.
• Maintain direct communication with site Clinic Managers to provide updates on operational issues, process improvements, and concerns.
• Provide coverage in various health centers as necessary.
• Interface with other departments to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Multitask and manage assigned projects as directed by the clinical director/administrator.
• Ensure access to care by providing behavioral health case management services to UHC patients.
• Collaborate with UHC primary care providers and patient care teams for consultative visits.
• Communicate issues and concerns to the Clinic Manager as they arise.
• Actively participate in the creation and revision of behavioral health departmental protocols.
• Serve as a knowledge expert in using UHC medical management software and other standard tools.
• Participate in the interview and selection process for new Front Office and Medical Records personnel.
• Comply with compliance issues and regulatory expectations for site audits/visits (e.g., OSHA, Blue Cross).
• Assist patients and therapists with the implementation of tailored Plans of Care to improve community, social, and daily living functioning.
• Identify and refer patients to resources specific to their needs.
• Act as a liaison, client advocate, and coordinator among UHC entities, schools, and other community agencies.
• Provide ongoing education to patients and family members through verbal/written consultation or educational materials.
• Carry a caseload and maintain timely, accurate record-keeping and reports for patient assistance.
• Assist patients with attendance and compliance for medical/mental health appointments.
• Collaborate with therapists and physicians regarding patient care.
• Ensure exemplary customer service by role modeling and coaching staff.
• Support quality improvement initiatives through process improvement and data collection activities.
• Coordinate staff training and retraining when processes are modified.
• Ensure UHC personnel meet required regulations as defined by BPHC and other contracted entities.
• Acclimate new personnel to the work environment and provide general performance expectations.
• Direct staff to opportunities for additional training supporting area activities.
• Maintain and develop the UHC Community Resources Directory.

Requirements

• BA in Social Work or related field.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Valid Lifesaving Certification.
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a behavioral health or general healthcare setting.

Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player.
• Customer-service oriented and patient-focused.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Intermediate to expert computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques.
• Positive professional insight.
• Flexibility and dependability.
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment.
• Familiar with modern office machines, practices, and procedures.
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of community resources and support systems.
• Cultural competence for the patient population served by UHC.
• Organizational skills and time management to handle busy schedules, heavy caseloads, and paperwork.

Pay

The pay range for this non-exempt position starts at $29.28 an hour. Salary ranges depend on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium costs.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401k plan with matching contribution.
• Educational assistance.
• Employee discounts and more.