Case Manager

ABOUT NWRC

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC's slogan: "Human services with you at the center" encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for a Long-Term Care Case Manager.


JOIN US

NWRC's values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

LONG-TERM CARE CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The primary goal of the long-term care case management program is to assist clients in developing a plan of care that lets them live at home with as much health and safety as possible. NWRC works with those who choose to live in their own homes rather than move into a nursing home, assisted living, or adult family home. Our case managers will coordinate and help get the needed services, which include caregiving, nursing, meals, medical equipment, and more.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Case managers conduct annual and as-needed home visits to assess clients' care needs and develop tailored care plans that reflect their preferences and priorities. They collaborate with community partners to create holistic, comprehensive care strategies and continuously monitor and adjust these plans throughout the year to ensure clients receive the best possible support.


COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

10-Step pay range: $31.06 - $40.53 hourly

NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position's assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate's experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.

As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits:

• 100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
• Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
• 100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
• Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
• Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
• Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually
• 3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
• Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Hybrid Work Environment
• 4% premium pay offered for Certified Social Services Interpreters

Note: NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The Case Manager will work with the Care Management Program Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the Whatcom office as well as optional remote time.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:


Education and experience in this job description follow the requirements set out in Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Policy and Procedures Manual Chapter 1-Policies:

• Four years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience in providing care management and long-term support and services to vulnerable adults, such as providing one-on-one, in-person customer service, developing care plans for aged, blind, or disabled individuals and caseloads, and a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR
• Three years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience, providing one-on-one, in-person customer service, developing care plans for aged, blind, or disabled individuals and caseloads, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and are bilingual or bicultural with such experience; OR
• Two years of experience with other DSHS information systems used by Case Management staff, such as Comprehensive Assessment and Reporting Evaluation (CARE) tool, Barcode, ProviderOne, QA Monitor, ACES.Online, or ALTSA reporting, and college courses, an associate's degree, or its equivalent; OR
• Two years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience and bachelor's degree; OR
• One year of paid, full-time, on-the-job social service experience and a bachelor's degree in social services, behavioral or health sciences; OR
• Social service experience and a master's degree.

One year full-time equivalent verifiable hours through an internship or volunteer work in social services may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience in providing care management and long-term support and services to vulnerable populations. Part-time hours may be considered if the hours total one year full-time equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communication, interviewing, problem-solving, organization, time management, and documentation of activities.
• Demonstrated ability to assess client health and functional status, understand and develop appropriate care plans, assess skills of caregivers, and make clear and concise recommendations.
• Demonstrated client advocacy skills and sensitivity to the needs and values of diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and work independently, with good judgment and a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community agencies, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Ability to defuse difficult situations recognizing the need for sensitivity as well as assertiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.
• Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.
• Case Managers may be expected to become AIRS Certified during the second year of employment (after one full year's experience) dependent on which program they are assigned.
• Based on agency need, may be expected to
  • acquire T-CARE Assessor Certification within the first 6 months of employment and/or
  • complete additional training/certifications such as motivational interviewing, communicating in conflict, mental health first aid, Community Health Worker training, etc.

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

NWRC is committed to continuous improvement in our recruitment and selection practices. We strive to provide a respectful, inclusive and transparent candidate experience, while reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to employment opportunities. We prioritize timely, clear communication with candidates to reduce uncertainty and our selection process is comprised of job-related evaluation methods that are reviewed by multiple hiring team members. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.