Community Services Case Manager

Job Overview

Full‑time position focused on advocacy for adults with disabilities and older persons, helping them remain in the setting of their choice. The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA serves Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties. Family‑friendly Monday‑Friday day schedule with no holiday or on‑call work. FLSA: Non‑Exempt. Reports to the Community Services Supervisor. No supervisory responsibilities. Pay Grade: 20B.

Summary

Assess client needs using standardized tools, develop and administer client‑centered service plans, and authorize in‑home and community‑based services to maintain the highest level of independent living possible. Support unpaid caregivers of adults (age 18 or older) with functional disabilities, promote outreach and the Family Caregiver and Community Services programs, and help clients avoid institutional settings.

Essential Functions

• Assess clients using standardized assessment tools, including CLC GetCare and TCARE.
• Develop a person‑centered plan of care with identified outcomes.
• Authorize in‑home and community services in accordance with the client’s service plan.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to programs for economically and socially disadvantaged groups, minorities, caregivers of persons with dementia, individuals at risk of institutionalization, those from non‑dominant‑culture families, and adults 60 or older or living with a disability.
• Implement evidence‑based programs.
• Provide support to clients transitioning between settings.
• Resolve client‑directed concerns regarding service delivery quality.
• Refer to and coordinate with community service providers, including mental health, adult day care, Veterans Administration, and disability service organizations.
• Handle service‑plan termination and follow‑up.
• Utilize agency nursing staff for case consultation, service‑plan development, and provider oversight.
• Maintain client records.
• Assist in promoting Family Caregiver and Community Services programs.

Working Conditions

Assessments are conducted in varied residential environments; travel is by automobile and may involve changing weather conditions. A portion of work occurs in a typical interior/office setting. The role requires regular talking, hearing, standing, walking, sitting, and manual dexterity, with occasional lifting of up to 10 lb. Vision requirements include close focus and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in behavioral or health science + 1 year paid on‑the‑job social service experience, OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in behavioral or health sciences + 2 years paid on‑the‑job social service experience, OR
• Bachelor’s Degree + 4 years paid on‑the‑job social service experience.
• Valid driver’s license, state‑required vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local in‑home and community options and resources for the elderly, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.
• Direct functional assessment, service planning, and implementation experience.
• Ability to function in a multilingual, multicultural environment, including using interpreters.
• Ability to travel to clients’ homes and community agencies that may not be ADA accessible.
• Ability to maintain paper and electronic client records and report accordingly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, diverse service providers, medical personnel, and agency staff.
• Ability to work independently in the field.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet short timelines for service‑plan implementation.
• Ability to communicate verbally in English in one‑on‑one, group, computer, or telephone settings.
• Ability to produce clear written documents with proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Computer and software proficiency; ability to operate general office equipment and work at a desk using phone and computer for up to eight hours daily.

Benefits

• Washington State PERS retirement
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Personal holidays
• Generous sick and vacation leave

Salary

Annual range: $66,096 – $91,128.