Case Manager - Fort Wayne, IN

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

The Columbus Organization is a nationally recognized provider of behavioral health and case management services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our team is committed to providing person-centered services that promote dignity, independence, and community integration.

Location

This position is for Fort Wayne Indiana. Must be able to cover Allen County

Summary of position

The Indiana Case Manager serves as the primary coordinator of services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), ensuring access to needed waiver, Medicaid State Plan, and community-based supports. This role operates within a person-centered framework, advocating for individuals to achieve meaningful life outcomes while ensuring compliance with Indiana DDRS, BQIS, and organizational standards.

Essential Functions

1. Serve as Primary Liaison: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with waiver participants, families, guardians, providers, state agencies (DDRS/BQIS), and community partners.

1. Ensure Compliance & Confidentiality: Adhere to HIPAA, state regulations, and Columbus Community Services policies while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of all records.

1. Develop Person-Centered Plans (PCISP): Facilitate the creation of strengths-based, person-centered Individualized Support Plans aligned with the individual’s goals and vision for a meaningful life.

1. Conduct Annual Planning & Assessments: Complete all required annual activities, including PCISP updates, budget development, and Level of Care determinations (LOCSI).

1. Facilitate Individual Support Team (IST) Meetings: Convene and lead IST meetings at least semi-annually, ensuring participation from the individual and authorized representatives.

1. Perform Required Face-to-Face Visits: Conduct in-person visits as required, including at least one annual in-home visit and unannounced visits when applicable for provider-owned or controlled settings (POCOS).

1. Ensure Ongoing Engagement (90-Day Standard): Maintain contact through visits or meetings at least every 90 days to ensure consistent oversight and relationship development.

1. Monitor Service Delivery & Utilization: Evaluate services through visits, calls, and meetings to ensure alignment with the PCISP and authorized supports.

1. Promote Health, Safety & Risk Mitigation: Identify, assess, and address risks to ensure the individual’s health, safety, and well-being.

1. Evaluate Outcomes & Satisfaction: Monitor individual satisfaction and service effectiveness; support quality improvement and standardized surveys.

1. Maintain Accurate Documentation: Complete case notes and document all encounters within required timelines (minimum monthly contact; documentation within 7 days).

1. Complete Monitoring & Compliance Activities: Execute monitoring checklists, post-meeting documentation, and required follow-up within established timelines.

1. Manage Incident Reporting: Complete, submit, and track incident reports in accordance with BQIS requirements and ensure proper communication to all stakeholders.

1. Disseminate Required Information: Share PCISPs, Service Authorizations, Notices of Action, and incident reports with individuals, families, and IST members.

1. Support Resource Navigation & Community Integration: Advocate for participants, connect them to services across funding sources, strengthen natural supports, and conduct community outreach to increase awareness of available services.

Position Requirements

1. Must meet one (1) of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field from an accredited institution, including: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing, Special Education, Rehabilitation, or a closely related discipline; or
• Bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least one (1) year of full-time, direct experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; or
• Licensed/Registered Nurse (RN) with at least one (1) year of experience in a human services setting; or
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in human services, social services, or a related field, including at least one (1) year of direct experience supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

1. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and ability to work independently.

1. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

1. Commitment to person-centered practices and advocacy

1. Ability to travel as required for in-home visits, provider meetings, and community-based work

1. Valid state driver’s license required

1. Must maintain current automobile insurance and reliable access to a personal vehicle

1. Must reside within the assigned service territory (exceptions may be made based on business needs)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and case management/documentation systems

1. Knowledge of person-centered planning, case management practices, and professional documentation standards

1. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and state regulations accurately

1. Strong analytical skills to assess situations, evaluate data, and determine appropriate actions

1. Ability to identify issues, collect and analyze information, and draw valid conclusions

1. Skill in explaining rules, regulations, and services clearly to individuals, families, and stakeholders

1. Advanced written communication skills, including report writing, case notes, and professional correspondence

1. Effective presentation and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage individuals, families, providers, and interdisciplinary teams

Travel/Work Environment

1. Combination of remote, in-office, and community-based work settings

1. Frequent local travel required

1. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

AAP/EEO Statement

The Columbus Organization provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Columbus Organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Columbus Organization expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Columbus Organization’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.