Intensive Case Manager - SAGE

Downtown Emergency Service Center•Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intensive Case Manager – SAGE is based at DESC’s STAR Center and provides short-term behavioral health treatment and interventions to guests, who typically stay for 90 days, although longer stays are possible. The position primarily serves STAR Center guests and coordinates with the SAGE care team at DESC’s nearby Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic. The role receives daily operational supervision and support from the STAR Project Manager and clinical supervision from a member of the DBHC SAGE Leadership team. The position is not counted toward the STAR Center building’s minimum staffing requirements. DESC’s SAGE Program provides outpatient mental health services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The STAR Center is a time-limited, 24/7, behavioral health-focused non-congregate shelter for unsheltered adults experiencing significant untreated or undertreated mental health and substance use challenges. The role coordinates clients’ support and goal plans, connects guests with wraparound services and community resources, develops crisis and safety plans, provides crisis intervention and risk assessment, and supports transitions to shelter or housing. It also includes clinical documentation, counseling and group facilitation as qualified, outreach, assistance with healthy living conditions, and occasional support of basic STAR Center operations during low-staffing or unplanned circumstances. The position is full-time, with an office-day shift and Saturdays and Sundays off. It is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. The stated pay range is $39.08–$43.15 per hour.

Requirements

Meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or a superseding credential.
Have a 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.
Be able to drive an agency or personal vehicle for agency-related business; have a current Washington State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
Have an interest in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health or substance use disorder programs.
Have knowledge of recovery-focused, strengths-based mental health work and harm reduction strategies.
Be able to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant or unusual behaviors.
Communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
Support cooperation and continuity across programs and show consideration and respect for consumers.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant behavioral science, or a Bachelor of Nursing degree with a mental health specialty.
Eligibility for a Licensed AAC credential or a superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements for a Mental Health Professional qualified to independently conduct mental health assessments and make mental health diagnoses.
Experience with evidence-based clinical interventions for short-term treatment, such as solutions-focused therapy.
Bilingual Spanish and English skills, or ASL proficiency.
Bicultural background or experience, and/or Qualified Minority Mental Health Specialist designation.

Responsibilities

Coordinate consumer support and goal plans, including psychiatric and substance use treatment referrals, support services, and access to basic needs, housing, medical care, financial assistance, and vocational training or employment.
Coordinate and facilitate guests’ connections to STAR Center wraparound services, orient them to services, develop shelter retention plans, make live connections, identify needs, and address barriers to care.
Develop crisis and safety plans in collaboration with STAR Center and SAGE staff.
Complete timely and accurate demographic and clinical updates, integrated service plans, clinical notes, and other required documentation; meet administrative deadlines and participate in quality assurance reviews.
Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment, and prepare primary or supporting DCR affidavits when appropriate.
Facilitate timely transitions from STAR Center to shelter or housing, including care coordination, transportation, care team transitions, and referrals.
Adapt approaches to engage and treat guests and use creative problem-solving.
Advocate for consumers’ access to community resources, protect their rights, and collaborate with community providers to support continuity of care.
Support or facilitate therapeutic groups with STAR Center staff, SAGE staff, and other providers; provide individual counseling when qualified.
Use trauma-informed practice and interpret behavior in the context of DESC’s Core Values.
Support clients in achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions, including attending care conferences, conducting outreach in shelter units, coordinating with shelter staff, assisting with unit cleanouts, and documenting barriers.
Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings, in-service trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
Travel locally for outreach and home visits; assist with home inspections and annual recertifications, and report maintenance concerns and housing retention barriers.
Maintain professional relationships with landlords and property managers and assist with rule enforcement and lease compliance as needed.
Serve as protective payee for some consumers, including budgeting, distributing funds, assisting with purchases, and maintaining accurate records.
Support STAR Center operations during periods of low staffing or unplanned circumstances, including monitoring ingress and egress, staffing the front desk, serving meals, and responding to emergencies.
Comply with program research and evaluation procedures and attend relevant trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.