Clinical Case Manager - SAGE

DESC•Seattle, WA

13d•$39 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Case Manager works in DESC’s SAGE comprehensive outpatient mental health program, serving adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the case manager provides long-term, recovery-oriented support to help clients obtain and maintain housing, improve clinical and social stability, and build independence and self-sufficiency. The role includes outreach, assessment, care coordination, crisis support, housing-related assistance, advocacy, and documentation. Services are provided under contract with King County and are licensed by the Washington State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. The position is based at DESC’s Hobson Clinic. The employee travels locally to meet with clients, including through home visits, and may assist with inspections, recertifications, housing retention, and maintaining healthy living conditions. The role also includes coordination with landlords, property managers, housing staff, community providers, and other DESC programs. The position is supervised by the SAGE Clinical Supervisor.

Requirements

Relevant bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related behavioral science, or a combination of one year of relevant paid work experience and demonstrated ability to perform the required duties.
Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle for agency business; current Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record required.
Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any superseding credential.
Interest in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health or substance use disorder programs.
Knowledge of recovery-focused, strengths-based mental health work.
Knowledge of harm reduction strategies.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant or bizarre behaviors.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from varied backgrounds.
Commitment to cooperation and continuity across programs and to consideration and respect for consumers.

Nice To Haves

Eligibility for a Licensed AAC credential or superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements to act as a Mental Health Professional whose scope of practice includes independently conducting mental health assessments and making mental health diagnoses.
Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant behavioral science.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Bicultural background or experience and/or Qualified Minority Mental Health Specialist designation.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing case management to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses as part of a multidisciplinary, multi-departmental team.
Collaborate with DESC’s Scattered Sites Supportive Housing team to develop client care and housing retention plans.
Conduct outreach and engagement to initiate and maintain working relationships with assigned clients.
Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop goal planners with consumer participation; facilitate connections to collaborative resources.
Coordinate consumer support and goal plans, including psychiatric and substance use treatment, 24-hour support services, and acute case management to help clients access food, clothing, housing, medical care, financial assistance, vocational training, or employment.
Advocate for consumers’ access to community resources and services, protect their rights, and coordinate with community providers to support continuity of care.
Travel locally to conduct outreach and home visits; assist with home inspections and annual recertifications, and address and report maintenance concerns and housing retention barriers.
Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment, and tolerate unusual or unpleasant behavior.
Provide counseling when qualified.
Serve as a protective payee for some consumers on behalf of the agency, including creating monthly budgets with consumers, distributing funds, and assisting with purchases.
Build and maintain professional relationships with landlords and property managers, assisting with building rule enforcement and lease compliance when necessary.
Document services and meet administrative deadlines.
Support clients in achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions, including attending care conferences, providing in-unit outreach and support, coordinating with housing staff, participating in unit cleanouts, and documenting barriers.
Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings, in-service trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
Attend internal and external trainings on topics such as landlord-tenant laws and housing vouchers.
Follow clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain complete clinical and administrative records; and participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned.
Comply with applicable program research and evaluation procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.