Case Manager - Psychology

Case Manager

The University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences has an exciting opportunity for a full time Case Manager to work in Coral Gables, University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD).

The University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is one of seven state-funded centers in Florida dedicated to optimizing the potential of people affected by autism spectrum disorders, dual sensory impairments, or sensory impairments with other disabling conditions. Our vast array of free services includes home- and clinic-based individual client and family direct assistance and support; technical assistance and consultation to early intervention, school, employment, residential, and other therapeutic community programs; parent and professional training, and public education and awareness. Currently, CARD is one of the largest (over 19000 constituents) of the seven centers, serving families and building professional capacity across Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Our center is now a multi-site project with satellite and branch offices (total of 4 sites currently), funded by the Florida Legislature through the State Department of Education, along with supplemental funding from independent fundraising efforts, including our highly successful signature event Tropical Nights. Our very unique collaborative model was recognized as the National Autism Program of the Year in 1999 by the Autism Society of America.

The Case Manager is responsible for client/family case management and care coordination, expert programmatic technical assistance and consultation to community partners and other stakeholders, professional training and family education, and public education and awareness activities. These are all critical functions of CARD as outlined in the State Statute creating and funding CARD. The Case Manager works independently in the management of CARD cases including determining eligibility of clients for CARD services, conducting clinical assessments of client/family needs, and making appropriate referrals to community providers and local, State, and Federal agencies, as appropriate. The Case Manager works independently to coordinate care for all families, ensuring that they receive evidence-based practices and appropriate support services. The Case Manager works collaboratively with other Case Managers to provide expertise support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, compassion, time management, organization and problem-solving skills are a must.

Candidates should include the contact information for three references with their application.

Core Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the integration of the social service function into patient care.
• Assists patients understand their conditions and possible therapeutic treatments.
• Works with affiliated agencies, such as counselors and acts as advocate between service recipients and the agencies.
• Designs plans for constituents and family members, which contain several areas such as educational, therapeutic, and recreational goals. Promotes family training and support.
• Collaborates with other professionals to evaluate patients' neuro-developmental condition and relevant client needs.
• Identifies environmental impediments to client or patient progress through interviews and review of patient records.
• Monitors, evaluates, and records clients.

Department/Lab Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides direct individual client and family assistance to CARD constituents. Expected to provide comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and overall evaluation of client needs related to employment. Works closely with the client/family, demonstrating good judgment and discretion, to ensure fidelity of implementation of the treatment plan. Works closely with client/family to re-calibrate treatment course if necessary.
• Maintains an active caseload of several hundred CARD constituents, independently providing an array of support services, at schools, in homes, and in employment and other community settings. Facilitates case coordination for these clients and information sharing with other providers involved in the case (as permitted by law).
• Provides expert consultation and technical assistance services to local educational, therapeutic, employment, and/or residential programs serving individuals with autism and related disabilities.
• Develops and conducts highly specialized constituent/family and professional training, workshops, seminars, and conferences on topics related to autism and related disabilities.
• Independently reviews diagnostic and other medical and social service reports to determine eligibility for services at CARD and within other local, State and Federal agencies. Facilitates linkages to these agencies and monitors client/family access and utilization of related services and supports for constituents and other stakeholders.
• Independently writes and maintains case reports, electronic client records, and other professional correspondence in accordance with applicable standards and regulations
• Participates in public education and awareness activities related to CARD and its constituents, including community-based speaking engagements, health and resource fairs, and other special community-based events.
• Participates in the planning and coordination of regional teacher training workshops and/or the CARD/DOE Partnership Program
• Independently plans and administers social, support, and activity groups for CARD constituents, as well as groups for their family members. Provides such services in a manner that is consist with the careful assessment of client needs, with a focus on enhancing skills and knowledge.
• Participates in case conferences, staff meetings, and quarterly regional full staff meetings. Exchanges pertinent information with supervisor and receives supervision as needed. Collaborates with other case managers to coordinate services specific to supports for constituents and other stakeholders.
• Maintains a network of appropriate referrals related to the needs of constituents in multiple areas, and independently makes appropriate referrals for clients and families as part of their regular duties.
• Maintains contact data, case notes, training summaries and evaluations, and other records in accordance with statewide CARD uniform reporting guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned by Manager, Social Services.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Behavior Analysis, Social Work or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience required.

Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.