Social Work Case Manager

Reports to: Social Work Supervisor
Work Location: Lansing, MI

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, 40 hours per week

Pay

$30.67 per hour plus comprehensive benefits package

Benefits

• 100% employer paid pension
• Generous time off
• 14 paid holidays

About the role

Works with the elderly and the disabled who are at-risk of entering a nursing home by exploring their options and alternatives to institutional care. The Supports Coordinator Team, consisting of a Social Worker and RN, completes comprehensive assessments of participants, with a strong emphasis on Person Centered Planning and participant direction.

Responsibilities

• Assists participants with securing Medicaid eligibility for Waiver services and monitoring for ongoing program eligibility.
• Using the principles of Person-Centered Planning, develops care plans with each participant, addressing and honoring the individual's specific needs and desires.
• Conducts assessments as a member of a professional team, evaluating the consumer's physical and mental health, functional capabilities and limitations, informal and formal support systems, physical environment, and financial resources.
• Completes periodic reassessments as a team or individual Supports Coordinator.
• Arranges, coordinates, and monitors services according to the person-centered plan, including those covered through the Medicaid Waiver and Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS Bureau).
• Monitors the cost of Medicaid Waiver services and other formal services to maximize resources and stay within program parameters and goals.
• Maintains accurate files with all mandatory documents including ACLS Bureau and Medicaid Waiver documentation, using a computer to enter information into program software and established database system.
• Adheres to agency and program standards, and ACLS Bureau and MDHHS Supports Coordinator Performance Criteria.
• Participates in Quality Assurance activities.
• Completes follow-up of all services arranged as determined in the person-centered care plan and adjusts as needed.
• Provides advocacy on behalf of participants to secure services and benefits to which they are entitled and promotes participant freedom of choice.
• Maintains shared caseload in conjunction with the RN or Social Work Supports Coordinator, providing back-up to the other Supports Coordinator.
• Updates knowledge pertinent to the provision of services to the elderly and persons with disabilities through attendance at agency and community meetings and continuing education opportunities.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with physicians, hospital discharge staff, nursing home staff, home health, and other service providers.
• Covers 24-hour on-call services as scheduled.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work
• Current Michigan Social Work license in good standing
• One year of experience working with the elderly and/or disabled
• Current Michigan driver's license in good standing (less than 4 points preferred)

Skills

• Commitment to the organization's missions and goals
• Computer skills sufficient to learn specific departmental software programs
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding all aspects of participant, volunteer, employee, and agency information
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish good relationships with staff, participants, volunteers, and vendors
• Ability to represent the Agency in a professional manner
• Ability to adjust priorities to meet deadlines in a timely manner
• Ability to meet department standards regarding job knowledge, participant focus, initiative, productivity, communication, teamwork, and attendance
• Knowledge of community services and resources
• Strong assessment skills

Working Conditions

The work environment varies. When in the office, safe work practices in regard to office equipment, avoiding trips/falls and fire regulations are required. When traveling to or spending time at residential or medical facilities, exposure to unusual elements such as smoke, unpleasant odors, loud noises, and extreme temperatures increases.

• Physical mobility required for sitting, walking, standing, bending, and lifting/holding/carrying objects of up to 20 pounds
• Ability to move around in multiple locations with varying physical environments and barriers
• Must be able to drive
• Ability to enter and access information using a computer
• Must be able to communicate effectively with participants, co-workers, and vendors in person and over the telephone
• Sensory requirements include exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, environments, and activities
• Mental requirements include the ability to handle varying and intense levels of stress