CASE MGR - PSYCH SVCS

Position Summary

The Inpatient Case Manager communicates and acts as liaison with courts, referral sources, and other individuals and agencies as necessary during patient’s hospitalization and post discharge. The Case Manager conducts screenings for referral service, and participates in referral development and education in the community. He/she contacts and assures medical, emotional health, recovery and other appointments as needed and indicated by patient need. The Case Manager role includes facilitation of treatment plan interventions and aftercare planning with patients.

Responsibilities

• Coordination of timeliness issues related to discharge planning with the treating psychiatrist and treatment team to assure proper linkage with support systems whenever possible.
• Crisis assessment of home and living environment which can include determining level of risk upon patient’s return based on interviews and obtaining social support assistance.
• Provides linkage for treatment team by acquiring information from and distributing information to the patient’s support system.
• Works with licensed staff to provide crisis intervention with the family system as indicated.
• Performs initial pre-admission screenings under supervision of licensed clinical staff.
• Communicates in writing, by phone, and in person to courts, DCS and/or DHS, schools, and other professionals and agencies.
• Maintains record, as appropriate, on each assigned patient. Documents as necessary in patient’s medical record.
• Maintains updated patient releases.
• Aids in management, supervision, and interaction with patients when directed or as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with Therapist to discuss aftercare needs with family/guardian and to assure commitment for aftercare compliance.
• Schedules aftercare appointments for patient and/or family and communicates these plans to Therapist to assure that family/guardian is involved in this aspect of the treatment planning.
• Participates in parent/family conferences as directed by Therapist in order to discuss aftercare plans.
• Sets appropriate limits and follows unit guidelines in interactions with patients. Appropriately encourages patients in following their treatment plans.
• Participates in educational inservices and presentations.
• May facilitate or participate in hospital programs or groups for the patients.
• Confers with hospital utilization reviewers regarding patient activity and discharge planning as updates are needed and performs reviews as requested by supervisors.
• Confers with business office representatives regarding benefit information and facilitates resolution or problem list on assigned patients.
• Coordinates with multidisciplinary team to determine discharge planning needs with a plan on record within 24 hours.
• Maintains appropriate and timely communications during patient’s course of treatment and following discharge with appropriate agencies and individuals.
• Contact with aftercare and outpatient service providers to obtain needed treatment information and to facilitate discharge plans in a proactive, timely manner.
• Schedules and facilitates patient groups or individual sessions for purpose of discharge planning.
• May con

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: BSW or BA/BS in closely related discipline. (NOTE: Non-related degree may be considered with five (5) years relevant experience.)
• Minimum Experience: Requires a minimum of one (1) year’s experience in direct patient care in the mental health field.
• Knowledge of chemical dependency, child and adolescent development, chronic mental illness, and DSM IV diagnosis needed.
• Knowledge of psychiatric inpatient treatment is beneficial.
• Crisis stabilization skills are required.
• Licensure Requirement: CPR, First Aid, and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards.
• Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage.
• Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.