Case Manager - Employment Specialist

Lifeline Connections • Bellingham, WA

16h • $24 - $26

About The Position

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions. Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive. Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions. POSITON TITLE: PACT Case Manager – Vocational Specialist – Non-Exempt RESPONSIBLE TO: PACT Clinical Supervisor/Team Lead MAJOR DUTIES: The PACT Vocational Specialist position works under the supervision of the Program Supervisor/Team lead. This position provides community-based behavioral health services to agency patients. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently: Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to mental health and substance use treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services. Work with patients to meet the identified activities and goals of the individual service plan that is strength-based and meets their unique needs. Work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Provide community-based case management services to patients assigned to them in accordance with the individual service plan and evaluation recommendations. Services are provided in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational, considers interactions of mental health and substance use, and has patient-determined goals. Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs). Assist patients to find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live — apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens). Assist and support patients to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks. Provide education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. Assist and support patients to perform household activities, including house cleaning and laundry. Ensure that patients have adequate financial support (e.g., help to gain employment or apply for entitlements). Teach money-management skills (e.g., budgeting and bill paying) and assist patients in accessing financial services (e.g., professional financial counseling, emergency loan sources). Help patients to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides). Assist and support patients to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required. Provide individual supportive therapy (e.g., problem solving, role-playing, modeling, support), social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings. Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize (e.g., going with a patient to a basketball game, coaching and supporting a patient before they go to a family reunion). Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure patients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support. Maintain complete and up-to-date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341. Support and implement agency policies and procedures. Network within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to patients to help meet their needs. Other duties as assigned. For case managers specializing in Vocational Services: Follow the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, adapted to team-based services within PACT. These include work-related services to help patients value and understand the implications of, as well as find and maintain, meaningful competitive employment in community-based job sites. Conduct job development activities and coordination with employers. Conduct brief vocational assessments, as well as provide job coaching and follow-along job support. Provide ongoing benefits counseling. Provide work-related supportive services (e.g. assistance with resume development, job application preparation, interview support, grooming and personal hygiene, securing appropriate clothing).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human sciences or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required. Certified or Licensed AAC preferred.
• At least one year of training and experience in employment services (e.g., job development, job placement, supported employment).
• Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for patient rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential.
• Familiarity with applicable Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use disorder services (WAC 246-341).
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and ability to transport clients in personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to people who have training and experience in working with individuals with mental illness within the IPS model of supported employment.
• Certified or Licensed AAC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to mental health and substance use treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services.
• Work with patients to meet the identified activities and goals of the individual service plan that is strength-based and meets their unique needs.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Provide community-based case management services to patients assigned to them in accordance with the individual service plan and evaluation recommendations.
• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Assist patients to find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live — apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens).
• Assist and support patients to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.
• Provide education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.
• Assist and support patients to perform household activities, including house cleaning and laundry.
• Ensure that patients have adequate financial support (e.g., help to gain employment or apply for entitlements).
• Teach money-management skills (e.g., budgeting and bill paying) and assist patients in accessing financial services (e.g., professional financial counseling, emergency loan sources).
• Help patients to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides).
• Assist and support patients to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required.
• Provide individual supportive therapy (e.g., problem solving, role-playing, modeling, support), social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize (e.g., going with a patient to a basketball game, coaching and supporting a patient before they go to a family reunion).
• Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure patients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support.
• Maintain complete and up-to-date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.
• Support and implement agency policies and procedures.
• Network within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to patients to help meet their needs.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Follow the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, adapted to team-based services within PACT.
• Conduct job development activities and coordination with employers.
• Conduct brief vocational assessments, as well as provide job coaching and follow-along job support.
• Provide ongoing benefits counseling.
• Provide work-related supportive services (e.g. assistance with resume development, job application preparation, interview support, grooming and personal hygiene, securing appropriate clothing).

Benefits

• Lifeline Connections strives to be an employer of choice by offering regular and full-time employees a robust and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both personal and family well-being.
• Our comprehensive benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• In addition, Lifeline Connections provides employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance , along with access to supplemental coverage options.
• Full-time employees and eligible part-time employees may also enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan , helping support long-term financial wellness.
• Beyond benefits coverage, Lifeline Connections is proud to offer generous paid time off .
• Both full-time and part-time employees earn PTO at competitive accrual rates that increase with years of service , allowing for meaningful time away from work.
• Employees also receive paid holidays and personal holidays , reinforcing our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees