Vocational Case Manager - New Orleans

Opus Medical•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Vocational Case Manager assesses medical and vocational information about injured workers, including education, prior work history, current medical restrictions or work capabilities, and socioeconomic factors that may affect a return to gainful employment. The role supports return to work with either the pre-injury employer or a new employer. The case manager must understand applicable state regulations and expectations and tailor services to jurisdictional requirements, while facilitating communication among the injured worker, insured, and carrier to support rehabilitation and work re-entry. The position provides efficient, cost-effective communication and case-management services for individualized work injuries, motor vehicle accidents, liability claims, long- and short-term disability claims, and other services requested by referral sources. The case manager follows the case management plan, maintains accountability for its process, completes assessments and reporting, and coordinates with clients, attorneys, referral sources, and internal staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and counseling.
CCM, CDMS, or CRC certification required.
Practice a health or human services discipline in a U.S. state or territory that allows the professional to independently conduct an assessment within the discipline’s scope of practice.
Complete a college program and continuing education requirements to maintain certification.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
One or more national certifications approved by URAC, such as CCM, CRC, CLNC, or CDMS, obtained within four years of commencing employment.
Two years of full-time-equivalent experience providing direct case management to injured workers, or working under a supervisor for two years.

Responsibilities

Follow policies and procedures outlined in the case management plan.
Retain accountability for the case management plan and process.
Accept referrals as assigned.
Confirm assignments with referral sources and clarify special handling instructions.
Make initial contacts according to the case management plan.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with clients.
Maintain integrity and treat claimants with dignity.
Schedule initial assessments and obtain necessary approvals from any attorney of record.
Maintain ongoing communication with the injured worker, insured, and carrier.
Record appropriate data and billing in the CaseAnyplace system for reporting.
Submit required monthly reports on time, including preliminary, initial vocational evaluation, labor market survey, progress, and closing reports.
Complete transferable skills analyses and any necessary testing to facilitate a full assessment, including WRAT, CAPS, COPES, and COPS as applicable.
Provide information to defense and plaintiff attorneys as appropriate and in accordance with state regulations.
Promote teamwork by assisting and communicating with AMC staff members.
Maximize accurate and appropriate billable hours toward the monthly target of 8 hours per day.
Maintain certifications and enhance knowledge through continuing education.
Complete education and training sessions on time as directed, including annual sessions.
Provide input on support staff performance as appropriate.
Perform additional professional duties as assigned.
Retain responsibility for tasks delegated to non-clinical staff and report on their performance to their supervisor.