Case Manager

Pala Band of Mission Indians•Pala, CA

About The Position

The Case Manager, under the direction of the Program Manager, provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, crisis-oriented case management, care coordination, counseling, and advocacy for adolescents and transitional-age youth who are in immediate danger, experiencing a crisis, or at high risk of suicide. The role supports safe, stable, and supportive outcomes through behavioral health navigation, crisis follow-up, and case management for individuals referred by the 988 Youth Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Tribal departments, healthcare providers, schools, first responders, and community partners. The Case Manager completes participant assessments, develops individualized service plans, coordinates referrals, facilitates warm handoffs, monitors progress, and supports continuity of care following behavioral health crises. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Case Manager helps participants overcome barriers to care by connecting them with culturally responsive behavioral health and medical services, substance use treatment, recovery supports, housing resources, benefits, transportation, and community-based services that promote recovery, stability, and wellness.

Requirements

At least two years of experience providing case management, behavioral health services, crisis services, or social services.
Knowledge of behavioral health case management principles.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
Knowledge of community behavioral health, healthcare, housing, recovery, and social service resources.
Ability to complete participant assessments and individualized service planning.
Ability to coordinate care across multiple agencies and service providers.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with participants and community partners.
Knowledge of HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and documentation standards.
Ability to maintain accurate electronic case records and prepare reports.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
Endorsement and support of Tribal values, culture, and philosophy.
Must successfully pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.
Must pass a fingerprint-based background check pursuant to Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, and a background investigation; must be eligible to work with vulnerable populations.
A DMV printout and background check are required.
Must possess a valid California Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
Must be willing to travel throughout the service area.
Must follow the Tribal Employee Handbook and applicable addendums.
Indian Preference applies in accordance with Pala Band of Mission Indians policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Behavioral Health, Counseling, or a closely related field preferred.
Associate's Degree with equivalent experience in behavioral health or case management may be considered.
Experience working with individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, or behavioral health crises preferred.
Experience working with Native American communities preferred.
CPR/First Aid Certification preferred or required within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive participant assessments to identify behavioral health, medical, social service, and recovery support needs.
Develop individualized service plans with participants, family members, and multidisciplinary team members.
Coordinate behavioral health services, referrals, and community resources based on participant needs.
Facilitate warm handoffs among the 988 Youth Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, behavioral health providers, hospitals, healthcare organizations, schools, Tribal departments, and community agencies.
Conduct timely follow-up contacts after behavioral health crises to promote engagement and continuity of care.
Assist participants with behavioral health navigation, appointment scheduling, benefits enrollment, transportation coordination, and accessing community resources.
Monitor participant progress toward treatment, recovery, and wellness goals and update service plans as needed.
Maintain regular communication with healthcare providers, behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists, first responders, and partner agencies.
Help participants reduce barriers to treatment, increase self-sufficiency, and strengthen recovery supports.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case documentation in accordance with Tribal, State, Federal, HIPAA, and SAMHSA grant requirements.
Participate in multidisciplinary case staffing, quality improvement activities, and care coordination meetings.
Assist with crisis response follow-up, participant outreach, community education, and behavioral health awareness activities.
Participate in ongoing professional development, behavioral health training, trauma-informed care training, and cultural competency education.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.