Case Manager-School Contract

About the Role

This full-time school contract Case Manager position serves as a school liaison, assisting students in attaining a level of personal and social adjustment that facilitates achievement of their academic goals. The role involves travel within the service area and works closely with school staff, administration, families, and community agencies to provide a successful educational experience for each student.

Work hours are Monday – Friday and vary based on school needs and summer responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a student advocate and responds to their social and emotional needs.
• Assists in determining and eliminating obstacles to student learning by providing insight into the social, emotional, physical, and educational status of students and families.
• Assists in establishing a positive learning environment.
• Consults and effectively communicates with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and progress of students.
• Collaborates with colleagues to improve the quality of learning in school.
• Assists in facilitating the Student Improvement Team process as assigned.
• Helps to address student attendance problems through collaboration efforts.
• Leads collaborative teams in discussing student strengths, needs, services, and supports.
• Assists with the development of student intervention plans and Section 504 Plans regarding mental health support.
• Identifies appropriate mental health referrals for the team to engage.
• Acts as a liaison between the school district and CrossWinds, serving as the point person for communication between the two groups.
• Helps CrossWinds staff understand and negotiate the school district system and procedures.
• Triages prospective referrals and works with CrossWinds staff to decide how to prioritize interventions for identified students.
• Helps school personnel understand the role of CrossWinds staff in this project.
• Facilitates connections between identified students’ families and CrossWinds staff.
• Gathers outcomes to monitor the effectiveness of the program.
• Follows up with child welfare contacts if a child has moved schools to get educational history.
• Is an active part of the school intervention team and relays information back to CrossWinds staff.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all client services, as defined by state licensing agencies, funding agencies, and CrossWinds standards and requirements.
• Submits progress notes, treatment plans, client status reports, timecards, and all work-related paperwork in a timely manner and in acceptable format as determined by agency requirements.

Work Environment

This job operates in a community setting, as well as in a professional office setting. The position primarily works with clients out in the community and within the agency’s residential facilities. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, handle objects, grasp and reach for items with hands and arms, manipulate hands and fingers, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Required to become certified in Managing Aggressive Behaviors (MAB), which includes training in proper restraint/physical intervention techniques to be utilized as a last resort.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Language skills required include the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language.
• Ability to interpret written materials, write reports and business correspondence, and effectively present and respond to questions.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree plus two years’ experience in the health and human services field OR four years’ experience in the health and human services field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Must complete Case Management Training and provide certificate within 6 months of hire.

Computer Skills

• Computer experience in Microsoft Office programs and basic computer fluency.

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to work with persons with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a therapeutic team.
• Possess demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to react effectively in a variety of human service situations.