Case Manager

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Service Coordinator I (Case Manager) provides assessment, outreach, support, service coordination and person-centered advocacy to DMH authorized adults by promoting DMH’s philosophy of recovery, trauma informed care, person-centered choices, and cultural humility by utilizing strength-based goal setting and through independent decision-making. Responsible for development, implementation and monitoring of individual service plans; assists individuals in securing services and performs all duties to reflect the highest level of dignity for persons served.

Requirements

Ability to work within the Department of Mental Health’s mission of recovery and person-centered planning as well as communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of mental health, i.e., psychosocial problems of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
Able to work independently on assignments, manage time and respond to multiple demands by effectively prioritizing tasks.
Demonstrated skills in the development of helpful and supportive relationships with people assigned for case management services.
Familiar with basic clinical skills of crisis intervention and risk management.
Experienced with the types of community programs and services available to individuals living with mental illness.
Ability to effectively organize and run meetings and case conferences to promote collaboration and information sharing.
Adept at evaluating and maintaining accurate records.
Skilled at working cooperatively and effectively with clients, provider staff, and community partners.
Able to travel for job-related purposes required.
Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Statewide Case Management Individual Service Plan Manual and DMH regulations.
Basic knowledge of DSM Diagnostic criteria and primary psychiatric medications.
Proficiency in the utilization of the Electronic Health Record
Familiar with the unique needs of the adult population.
Ability to understand, support and implement the principles of race, equity, and inclusion.
Able to make constructive use of professional supervision and accept feedback.
Knowledge of the spiritual and cultural needs of the clients served

Responsibilities

Provides creative engagement strategies including regularly scheduled face-to-face contact in accordance with the needs of the person served, family and other community providers to engage and sustain involvement in attaining the individual’s goals and maintaining community tenure.
Directly provides assistance and support with, but not limited to, housing search, employment search, skill development, symptom management, wellness management, and encourages active participation in treatment by developing positive therapeutic relationships.
Regularly schedules visits to occur in the client’s home or usual place of residence, as appropriate, and monitors safety of the environment.
Prepares and maintains documentation according to DMH regulations and Electronic Health Record (EHR) business rules including progress notes and other required documentation.
Develops a comprehensive assessment of individual needs in accordance with DMH regulations and timelines by interviewing the individual, family &/or LAR, significant others; obtaining records; gathering relevant written and verbal information from past & current service providers in order to determine the service needs.
Develops, implements, and monitors the individual service plan (ISP) per DMH regulations and timelines with the individual and service providers; convenes and facilitates meetings to review and modify the ISP, when indicated.
Develops a critical needs assessment of individual needs and a critical needs plan in accordance with DMH regulations and timelines for designated individuals receiving Critical Needs Case Management. Interviews the individual, family &/or LAR and significant others, obtains records, gathers relevant written and verbal information from past and current service providers to determine the critical service needs.
Conducts in person screenings and needs & means assessments to identify need for services, respond to requests for interim services and recommend &/or refer to services as appropriate.
Refers individuals for specialized assessments and to programs and services, including entitlements, that are indicated by the Comprehensive Assessment and ISP.
Monitor and ensure that services and entitlements are in place and meeting the individual’s identified needs.
Coordinates transitions by facilitating communication with providers and families to ensure individuals are receiving needed services in a timely manner.
Directly engages with individuals throughout all housing and care settings t (inpatient jail, shelters, SNF, etc.) to ensure access to needed services, coordination and communication among service providers and to facilitate efficient transitions &/or diversions.
Leads discharge planning & service coordination activities to support community transitions or diversion of individuals to ensure a smooth transition to the community.
Links individuals to appropriate agencies & organizations to meet individual needs identified through the ISP process and ensure that necessary services are provided in the least restrictive environment. Participate in utilization management reviews to monitor efficient use of resources.
Identifies historic & current risk factors of assigned individuals and collaborates with the individual, Supervisor, crisis intervention services, & service providers to facilitate and participate in appropriate assessment and planning.
Facilitates and participates in the development of plans to address risk & safety for assigned individuals according to DMH protocol and policy.
Completes screenings and may complete assessments (e.g. suicide, substance use, etc.) as needed and according to DMH protocols and policies.
Responds to and manages crises by providing face-to-face or telehealth contact when appropriate. Engages in direct communication with Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI), Behavioral Health Helpline &/or 911; completes necessary alerts with MCI; ensures communication with Supervisor and all other appropriate parties.
Provides and/or arranges for transportation to ensure individuals have access to needed services.
Demonstrates cultural humility through knowledge and sensitivity to age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender and sexual orientation of the individuals served.
Responds to inquiries & concerns from the general public including municipal, housing and public safety officials, community agencies, etc. Ensures responses comply with DMH and HIPPA confidentiality requirements.
Meets regularly with Supervisor; prepares for and actively participates in supervisory process.
Develops skills and competencies by completing mandatory trainings and attending other skills development trainings.
Other duties as assigned.