Lead Case Manager

About the Role

The Lead Case Manager for Licensed Programs serves as a cross-site resource responsible for ensuring continuity, compliance, and consistency in case management services across programs. This role provides guidance and support to Case Managers, monitors documentation and service delivery practices, and helps maintain alignment with person-centered planning, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards. The Lead Case Manager plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted services during staff absences, reducing compliance risk, and supporting Program Managers by stabilizing case management operations across sites.

Responsibilities

• Continuity of Case Management Services
  • Serve as the designated back-up Case Manager to ensure uninterrupted participant services during planned and unplanned staff absences.
  • Assume temporary caseload responsibilities when Case Managers are on leave, including maintaining participant engagement, communication with support teams, and required documentation.
  • Ensure no lapse in required timelines, including ISP meetings, progress reports, and regulatory documentation.
  • Provide timely response to urgent participant needs, service changes, or compliance-related deadlines.
  • Maintain working knowledge of participants across assigned programs to support seamless service continuity.
• Case Management Support & Consistency
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to Case Managers, including serving as a primary resource for the case management system of licensed programs.
  • Support implementation of person-centered service plans aligned with participant goals, needs, and funding requirements.
  • Assist Case Managers in navigating complex participant situations, including behavioral, social, or service coordination challenges.
  • Promote consistency across sites to ensure uniform quality of case management services.
  • Provide onboarding and ongoing training to new and existing Case Managers on documentation practices, regulatory requirements, and system use.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance
  • Perform monthly reviews and audits of Case Magic files for participants with annuals due, ensuring all documentation is complete, current, and compliant.
  • Monitor case management practices to ensure compliance with Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Community Care Licensing (CCL), and Regional Center requirements.
  • Conduct ongoing internal reviews of participant records and documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
  • Identify documentation or compliance gaps and provide guidance and follow-up to ensure corrective action is taken.
  • Prepare and provide monthly caseload status reports to Program Managers and the Director of Licensed Programs.
  • Analyze and present annual case management trends, including patterns in coverage, compliance, and service outcomes.
• Participant Goal & Service Support
  • Review service documentation and provide feedback to ensure alignment with individual service plans and Regional Center expectations.
  • Collaborate with Program Managers and staff to support development of meaningful activities and services tied to participant goals.
  • Assist in evaluating participant progress and supporting adjustments to services to enhance outcomes.
  • Support coordination of behavior intervention strategies and service planning in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Communication & Coordination
  • Monitor and support timely, professional communication between Case Managers, staff, participants, families, and funding agencies.
  • Participate in participant meetings (e.g., IDTs, ISPs) as needed to support service continuity.
  • Serve as a resource and support point for staff, care providers, and service coordinators.
• Operational Support
  • Support Program Managers by absorbing case management coverage responsibilities.
  • Assist in managing fluctuations in caseload demands across programs and sites.
• Other Duties
  • Adhere to proper care and responsible use of OPARC-issued property, tools, and equipment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and service quality.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in case management, habilitation, or related support services required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of person-centered planning and service delivery.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (DDS, CCL, Regional Center) preferred.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities across sites.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and capable of learning documentation systems.
• Knowledge of behavior support strategies, documentation practices, and confidentiality requirements.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and fingerprint clearance, complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations (as applicable).
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of current vehicle insurance, must have a clear driving record, and two (2) years of driving experience.
• Reliable transportation to travel and attend off-site meetings.
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments, which can include allergens, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, dampness or chilling, excessive noise, and/or slippery and uneven walking surfaces, and indoor warehouse-type settings that may lack heating, air conditioning, and have concrete flooring.
• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications — or ability to obtain upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, or other languages) is a plus.

Work Environment

• Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.
• Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.
• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending, and pulling required.
• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions.
• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of OPARC-issued property, tools, and equipment.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, includes a ½ unpaid lunch.