Case Manager - Employment Specialist

Major Duties

• Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to mental health and substance use treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services.
• Work with patients to meet the identified activities and goals of the individual service plan that is strength-based and meets their unique needs.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Provide community-based case management services to patients assigned to them in accordance with the individual service plan and evaluation recommendations.
• Services are provided in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational, considers interactions of mental health and substance use, and has patient-determined goals.
• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Aid patients to find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live — apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens).
• Aid and support patients to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.
• Teach money-management skills (e.g., budgeting and bill paying) and assist patients in accessing financial services (e.g., professional financial counseling, emergency loan sources).
• Help patients to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides).
• Assist and support patients to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required.
• Provide individual supportive therapy (e.g., problem solving, role-playing, modeling, support), social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure patients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support.
• Maintain complete and up-to-date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.
• Support and implement agency policies and procedures.
• Network within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to patients to help meet their needs.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in human sciences or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required. Certified or Licensed AAC preferred.
• At least one year of training and experience in employment services (e.g., job development, job placement, supported employment).
• Preference will be given to people who have training and experience in working with individuals with mental illness within the IPS model of supported employment.
• A strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
• Familiarity with applicable Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use disorder services (WAC 246-341).
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and ability to transport clients in personal vehicle.

Complexity

• The incumbent provides community-based case management services to patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral, and psychological problems.
• Strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the patients.

Physical Demands

• Most of the work can be performed while sitting and talking.
• The position requires the ability to travel within the community by private vehicle to meet the patient in their own environment.
• The position requires the ability to assist the patients with daily life skills activities such as cooking, laundry and cleaning.

Working Environment

• Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with patients in their homes or health clinics.
• Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

Immediate Supervisor

PACT Program Supervisor/Team Lead

Salary

$23.98 - 26.36/hr

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Access to supplemental coverage options.
• 401(k) retirement plan for full-time employees and eligible part-time employees.
• Generous paid time off including PTO, paid holidays, and personal holidays.