Case Manager - Young Adult

About the Role

The Case Manager provides goal-directed services to young adults (ages 18-26) with severe and persistent mental illness. The role focuses on increasing functional skills, decreasing the need for hospitalization, and maximizing independent functioning in the community. Case Managers support clients in attending groups and drop-in services to enhance social engagement and access age-appropriate community supports. Collaboration with the Early Psychosis Intervention Care (EPIC) Team is required for clients experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

Responsibilities

• Engage individuals and families as partners in services and develop positive, trusting relationships.
• Participate as an active member of the service provider team.
• Conduct assessments and participate in treatment plan or plan of care development.
• Mediate between clients/families and other professionals to direct services and care.
• Manage emotional distress experienced by clients and families to avoid and resolve crisis situations.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in determining courses of action.
• Build client relationships and strategic partnerships with agencies and external resources.
• Assert expertise in behavioral healthcare when interacting with courts, social services, professionals, doctors, and education systems on behalf of clients.
• Advocate for resources with state, government, and private agencies.
• Complete forms and facilitate processes as needed.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Effectively manage conflict, promote change and growth, and inspire client development.
• Complete all documentation and reporting requirements thoroughly and on time.
• Interact positively with agency and team members, including participation in supervision, team meetings, and continuing education.
• Travel and transport clients/families in and around the region, providing direct care and support as needed.
• Complete job-specific training and maintain ongoing education regarding professional development, regulations, laws, compliance, and ethical standards.

Essential Functions

• Ensure clients are treated with dignity and respect, providing effective and minimally restrictive case management.
• Meet or exceed access standards for timely service and departmental productivity goals.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and modify treatment plans according to Medicaid and agency standards.
• Ensure treatment plans reflect client input, strengths and needs assessments, and other clinical assessments.
• Deliver treatments and interventions consistent with programmatic intent and outcomes.
• Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices for case supervision.
• Research and engage internal and external resources beneficial to clients.
• Ensure clients are connected to necessary resources to accomplish treatment plans and outcomes.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding professional training and best practices.
• Develop and maintain respectful, professional relationships with clients, families, staff, volunteers, donors, and vendors.
• Expand positive working relationships with referral sources and community partners.
• Uphold organizational values, mission, and compliance with internal policies and laws.
• Engage in professional development to remain current with best practices.
• Contribute to a positive and effective work team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social work, psychology, rehabilitation, or related health fields. Equivalent education plus experience will be considered.
• Preferred experience in the mental health field, specifically community-based or outreach work.
• Familiarity with the needs of individuals with mental health diagnoses; preferred experience with severe mental illness.
• Preferred experience working with young adults.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and community agencies.
• Ability to work autonomously in the community and be proactive in outreach.
• Ability to facilitate planning meetings with individuals from multiple systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and technology use.
• Must provide proof of a current, non-suspended, non-expired Driver’s License.
• Must provide and maintain dependable transportation, comprehensive automobile insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to submit to a vehicle inspection or provide proof of inspection within the last year.
• Ability to build and maintain close working relationships with clients and community partners.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Clearance through the Kansas Child Abuse/Neglect Register and criminal background check.