Case Manager

Adult Outpatient Programs

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer's presenting symptoms.

Case Manager Responsibilities

Case Managers assist with monitoring consumer's well-being including needs in the areas of mental health, physical health, living, learning, working, and social environments. Case managers travel to wherever consumers reside, whether that is at home, boarding homes, or other community based living to provide monitoring, when working with children they would be going to the schools as well. The primary role of the case manager is to increase psychological adjustment for the consumer by empowering the consumers and sometimes family members with information, education and support in order to follow through once case management ends.

Primary Job Functions:

Clinical Responsibilities

• Maintains caseload effectively, processing referrals in a timely manner and participates in assessment unit intake process as appropriate and requested.
• Conducts a (FNA) Functional Needs Assessment on each referral or identified patient
• Consults with Care Coordinator to explore any existing medical needs
• Comply with completing goals to be achieved, creates, and maintains an (ISP) Individualized Service Plan within 30 days of contact
• Provides appropriate linkage to community resources
• Coordinates implementation of internal services as appropriate
• Maintains an itemized list of resources being utilized for each patient and regularly monitors to ensure the service is still needed and/or appropriately meeting their needs
• Collaborates with Benefits Specialist, Representative payee, Transporter/Shopper, (BLS) Basic Living Skills instructors, etc
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and regularly provides feedback on the patient's status
• Evaluates the patient for discharge planning
• Comply with the Chapter 106 Medicaid Standards

Supervision and Consultation

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance care management skills

Clinical Record Keeping

• Documents in a timely fashion per Altapointe policy
• Documents appropriate, complete and comprehensive assessments
• Documents measurable and specific goals in the (ISP) Individualized Service Plan
• Documents in clear and concise manner, types of patient problems, ISP goals addressed and services provided in direct service record
• Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals

Courteous and respectful attitudes towards patients, visitors and co-workers:

• Treatments patients with care, dignity and respect
• Respects patient's privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Personal values don't inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the patient's needs, expectations and individual differences

Caseload Management

• Effectively manages caseload based on patient's needs
• Make frequent contacts with patients
• Meets Altapointe productivity standards

Administrative and other Related Duties as Assigned

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
• Actively participates in Altapointe committees as required
• Follows Altapointe policies and procedures
• Attends to required in-service training and other workshops

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, sitting, and walking which are in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes.
• There are times when this can be extended to pacing with the consumer (time could be undetermined) and at times sitting and standing can be extended with the employee having the ability to change positions as permitted by the observance and behavior of the consumer at that time.
• Occasional forward bending from the hips while kneeling to reach to the side.
• Occasional need to be able to assume a full squat/lunge from a standing position.
• Occasional need to maintain back extension while being on stomach with one's own body weight on hips and legs. This position is maintained for several minutes.
• Occasionally, be able to put one's own body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side of one's body.
• Occasionally, be able to kneel and reach to same side toward the floor.
• Lift up to 10 pounds occasionally during shift.
• Strong grasp is needed to use keys to open doors throughout the facility, and to maintain constant contact with a consumer during a take down procedure or with other hold techniques.
• Pushing/pulling force up to 25 pounds occasionally during a shift.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a mental health discipline. Must be at least age 23, maintain a valid verifiable driver license and maintain a clear driving record.

Knowledge in mental health service provision, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment:

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and substance use in the adult population
• Knowledge of cultural diversity
• Knowledge of behavioral management and crisis intervention
• Knowledge of available community resources and internal services
• Certified by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health to provide adult case management services