Care Manager

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification with or without an accommodation. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. 

• The Care Manager functions as an advocate and support person to those individuals assigned.
• This employee links them to appropriate services and monitors the progress or lack of progress by the individual.
• The Care Manager works closely with the individual, the individual’s family, LifeStream staff, and other community organizations to meet those needs and to allow the individual to live as independently as possible within the community.
• Convenes/attends staffing as necessary for assessing and coordinating services for clients.  
• Completes required agency, funding, legal, statistical and fiscal documentation in an accurate and timely manner. It is important for a person in this position to enjoy working with difficult clients and act as a role model whenever possible. Able and willing, to work flexible hours.
• Regular driving between appointments and a clean driving history and valid driver’s license is an essential function of the position.
• Direct care services include assessment interventions and case management.
• Services provided within the community and the team members must be flexible to meet with individuals at various times.
• The employee will assume program responsibilities as designated by the Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE and JOB SKILLS: Must have working knowledge of family dependency systems including protective investigations, dependency court and care management. S/he must also be familiar with the physical, social and emotional characteristics associated with the substance abuse disease concept, with co-occurring (MH) disorders, and with trauma-informed care concepts.

Ability to make clinical and administrative decisions. Ability to develop and maintain community network of resources. Good clinical skills with the ability to make clinical decisions about the individual’s stability are basic. Crisis intervention skills are vital. Time management skills are fundamental. Good verbal and written communication skills are vital to this position. Good handwriting and documentation skills are essential. Professional telephone skills are essential. Computer knowledge is vital to the satisfactory performance of this position.

COMPETENCIES: Culmination of the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Motivation (KSAM) that are required for an employee to be successful.

• Serving Our Consumers: Effectively meeting consumer needs, building productive consumer relationships, and taking responsibility for consumer satisfaction and loyalty.      
  • Consumer Focus: Consistently commits to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external consumers
  • Valuing Diversity: Works effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, and genders
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.  
  • Listening: Is attentive and listens to others. Considerate of the opinions of others when in disagreement.
  • Conflict Management: Consistently promotes calm dialogue and cooperation during moments of conflict.
• Continuous Improvement: The ongoing process of achieving positive changes in service and processes in order to improve efficiency and quality. 
  • Organizing: Orchestrates multiple activities to accomplish a goal and keeps orderly files and records such that information can be retrieved when requested.
  • Creativity: Tries old solutions to problems, but will search for new methods when challenged.
• Expertise: Demonstrating proficiency of an employee's skill or knowledge within their field of practice. 
  • Job Specific Learning: Successfully incorporates new learning into his or her job.

JUDGMENT/DECISION MAKING: Able to make sound assessment of consumer risks and needs. Must interact with consumers through a trauma informed approach. Must utilize judgment in a manner that will actively promote the program through their actions and interactions with others. Must uphold ethical standards of practice.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in the human services field and two years experience in the social services field. If in personal recovery, two (2) years of successive recovery required.  
• Preferred: At least two (2) years of experience working with the chronically mentally ill in an acute psychiatric or case/care management function.  

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Completes all requirements according to Individual Training Plan within the first six months of hire and annually.