Lead Case Manager
About The Position
The Lead Case Manager provides advanced case management services to WestCare patients and clients experiencing substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or co-occurring diagnoses. The position serves as a subject-matter resource for complex cases involving multiple systems and supports coordinated, recovery-oriented care. The Lead Case Manager collaborates with counselors, clinical teams, social service providers, external agencies, and other staff to improve service delivery and resource pathways and to maintain regulatory and documentation compliance. The role provides guidance and support to staff but has no supervisory responsibilities. The position conducts screenings and assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, advocates for access to treatment and community resources, and supports clients facing barriers to recovery. It may involve crisis support, coordination with emergency and crisis-response services, participation in client groups and clinical staffing, preparation and auditing of records, use of Electronic Health Record systems, community outreach, and contributions to policies and procedures. The employee is expected to embody WestCare’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals, and perform other duties as assigned. The position is based in indoor and outdoor settings, including group and individual counseling sessions, with direct contact with clients of all ages and levels of functioning. The environment is fast-paced and may be noisy. At least 40 hours per week are expected, with significantly more hours required at times; duties may require work before or after normal working hours. Regular attendance is required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field.
- At least one year of professional experience providing case management services.
- Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with others and as part of a team.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to complete work tasks within scheduled work hours and contribute ideas and effort to service improvement.
- Ability to work at least 40 hours per week, with significantly more hours required from time to time; duties may require work before or after normal working hours.
- Regular attendance.
- Ability to perform the physical and mental demands of the job, with or without accommodation, including mobility and physical activity; occasional lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; computer and telephone use; and approved physical and mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.
- Ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
- Ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
- Ability to communicate and cooperate with clients, coworkers, managers, the public, and employees at all levels.
Nice To Haves
- CAP certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Manage complex cases involving co-occurring disorders and/or legal involvement, such as probation or child welfare.
- Collaborate with internal teams, social service providers, and external agencies to coordinate and streamline services.
- Advocate for client access to detoxification, inpatient and outpatient treatment, Medication-Assisted Treatment, housing, employment resources, and related supports.
- Conduct client screenings and assessments and develop individualized treatment plans based on client strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
- Facilitate referrals to mental health providers, peer support groups, and community agencies.
- Educate clients about and connect them with resources for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, healthcare, and employment.
- Assist clients in establishing or re-establishing community-based support systems.
- Help clients identify and address barriers to recovery, including stigma, transportation, and insurance limitations.
- Provide crisis support and guidance concerning issues such as overdose risk, psychiatric concerns, or loss of housing.
- Coordinate with emergency services, crisis stabilization units, and other response teams as needed.
- Lead or support client groups as assigned.
- Participate in clinical staffing discussions and provide input on client strengths, resources, needs, and treatment planning or disposition.
- Prepare accurate and timely documentation and reports for internal and external stakeholders, including funders.
- Audit case files for accuracy, compliance, and completeness.
- Ensure adherence to HIPAA, state licensing standards, and funding regulations such as Medicaid and SAMHSA requirements.
- Use and help maintain Electronic Health Record systems to support data accuracy and program alignment.
- Participate in community outreach and educational initiatives related to substance use and recovery.
- Contribute to developing and improving policies and procedures that support recovery-oriented care.
- Provide guidance and support to staff managing urgent or high-needs cases without supervisory responsibility.
- Work collaboratively and professionally with WestCare staff to foster positive community relationships.
- Complete required documentation on provided forms in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned according to programmatic needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
