Mental Health Case Manager

Department: Behavioral Health Care Center SVH
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Per Diem
FTE: 0.000001
Base Wage: $ 25.33 to $ 37.99

Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The Mental Health Case Manager is an active member of the treatment team through the provision of direct patient service. The Mental Health Case Manager provides individual and group counseling, patient and family education, care coordination, community resource finding, utilization review and participates in the overall operation of the Mental Health Unit. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay. All Skagit Regional Health facilities follow SRH's standard employment policy regarding background checks, which may vary depending on the nature of the position. WAC 246.341.0420(17)(a)

Essential Functions
Performs comprehensive patient assessments, which include; psychosocial, functional, vocational and financial, obtained through interviews with all involved parties. Develops needs list with input from all parties, determining priorities and contingency plans based upon decisions made by patient and family. Facilitates case conferences for patients with complex care plan needs. Advocates for services and funding necessary to meet care plan goals. Documents all assessments, care plans, 1:1 interventions and therapy/group sessions thoroughly, accurately and timely, in all appropriate documentation venues. Evaluates effectiveness of previous assessments and care plans for patient with readmission or frequent admissions for the same illness; implements care plan modifications to reach desired outcomes and goals. When appropriate, contacts patient and/or family after hospitalization or outpatient assessment, to evaluate outcomes and to ensure goals of care plan is being met. Maintains awareness of current criteria of regulatory agencies as related to changes affecting provisions of health care services. Identifies utilization and quality care variations and refers through appropriate channels; manager, director, medical director or EQMM. Conducts concurrent and/or retrospective medical record review for third party payors; clearly informs payor of plan of care, obtaining authorization for services where required. Identifies patients at risk for encountering problems post hospitalization and refers to appropriate discipline/team member(s) and outside agencies (i.e.; CPS, APS, acute rehab, detox). Demonstrates knowledge of procedures that assure quality care and effective utilization of hospital services; applies this knowledge when conducting patient case reviews. Reviews medical records for determination and documentation of medical necessity for inpatient and/or observation status; intervenes as appropriate when changes in status are indicated. Maintains effective working relationships with the health care team, patients and their families. Conducts discharge planning; Facilitates processes/resources that support access to programs that best meets patient's needs and eligibility criteria. Provides individual and family counseling. Demonstrates the ability to manage patients experiencing psychiatric crisis through utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques. Assists with facilitation/education of advanced directives. Coordinates outpatient plan for Less Restrictive Order (LRO) management, writes affidavits, prepares court docket, facilitates court process on the unit, and prepares necessary documentation for Superior Court. Maintains awareness of current healthcare laws, issues and community resources. Maintains an awareness of ITA laws and procedures. May facilitate/and or participate in therapy groups as assigned by psychiatrist or manager. Seeks admission certification on patients as needed. Remains current on utilization management practices for mental health. Provides patient and family education. Attends bi-weekly multidisciplinary staff meetings and daily rounds. Demonstrate universal attributes and SVH Service Standards. Remains in compliance with all SVH policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by Director.

Education
Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a relevant discipline strongly preferred. Master's Degree in an accredited Mental Health Discipline, i.e. Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or Psychology, or an MSW from an accredited Social Work program preferred.

Experience/Training
One (1) year experience working on an inpatient psychiatric unit preferred.

License/Certifications
Washington State Licensure is required within ninety (90) days of hire or an Agency Affiliated Counselor application must be submitted to WA State DOH within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

Other Skills
Ability to practice collaboratively, work in a fast paced environment & prioritize job responsibilities in order to respond to multiple & sometimes competing requests. Knowledge & experience with: DSM V & the application in mental health assessments; crisis management, conflict resolution & stress management. Proven ability to intervene across a broad range of family, individual & group dynamics. Knowledge of health care laws, ethics, regulations & policies, which govern medical & psychiatric social work. Knowledge in needs assessment, resource identification, acquisition, community resources including local, state & regional resources. Experience in methods application, casework, supervision & training. Knowledge of Social Work Standards of practice techniques and their application to complex case work, group work & community problems. Demonstrated commitment to social work values & adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics & NASW Standards of Cultural Competence of in Social Work.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.