Case Manager

Northwest Regional Council•Bellingham, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for a Long-Term Care Case Manager. NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC. The primary goal of the long-term care case management program is to assist clients in developing a plan of care that lets them live at home with as much health and safety as possible. NWRC works with those who choose to live in their own homes rather than move into a nursing home, assisted living, or adult family home. Our case managers will coordinate and help get the needed services, which include caregiving, nursing, meals, medical equipment, and more. Case managers conduct annual and as-needed home visits to assess clients’ care needs and develop tailored care plans that reflect their preferences and priorities. They collaborate with community partners to create holistic, comprehensive care strategies and continuously monitor and adjust these plans throughout the year to ensure clients receive the best possible support.

Requirements

Four years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience in providing care management and long-term support and services to vulnerable adults, such as providing one-on-one, in-person customer service, developing care plans for aged, blind, or disabled individuals and caseloads, and a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR
Three years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience, providing one-on-one, in-person customer service, developing care plans for aged, blind, or disabled individuals and caseloads, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and are bilingual or bicultural with such experience; OR
Two years of experience with other DSHS information systems used by Case Management staff, such as Comprehensive Assessment and Reporting Evaluation (CARE) tool, Barcode, ProviderOne, QA Monitor, ACES.Online, or ALTSA reporting, and college courses, an associate’s degree, or its equivalent; OR
Two years of paid, full time, on-the-job social service experience and bachelor’s degree; OR
One year of paid, full-time, on-the-job social service experience and a bachelor’s degree in social services, behavioral or health sciences; OR
Social service experience and a master’s degree.
One year full-time equivalent verifiable hours through an internship or volunteer work in social services may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience in providing care management and long-term support and services to vulnerable populations.
Part-time hours may be considered if the hours total one year full-time equivalent.
Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communication, interviewing, problem-solving, organization, time management, and documentation of activities.
Demonstrated ability to assess client health and functional status, understand and develop appropriate care plans, assess skills of caregivers, and make clear and concise recommendations.
Demonstrated client advocacy skills and sensitivity to the needs and values of diverse groups.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
Ability to plan, prioritize and work independently, with good judgment and a minimum of supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community agencies, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
Ability to defuse difficult situations recognizing the need for sensitivity as well as assertiveness.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.
Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Must have a valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Case Managers may be expected to become AIRS Certified during the second year of employment (after one full year’s experience) dependent on which program they are assigned.
Based on agency need, may be expected to acquire T-CARE Assessor Certification within the first 6 months of employment and/or complete additional training/certifications such as motivational interviewing, communicating in conflict, mental health first aid, Community Health Worker training, etc.

Responsibilities

Conduct annual and as-needed home visits to assess clients’ care needs.
Develop tailored care plans that reflect clients’ preferences and priorities.
Collaborate with community partners to create holistic, comprehensive care strategies.
Continuously monitor and adjust care plans throughout the year to ensure clients receive the best possible support.
Coordinate and help get needed services, which include caregiving, nursing, meals, medical equipment, and more.

Benefits

100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
13 Paid Holidays Annually
3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
Alternative Work Schedules
4% premium pay offered for Certified Social Services Interpreters