Case Manager - Employment Specialist

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

POSITON TITLE: PACT Case Management - Employment Specialist Non-Exempt Position

RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Lead

MAJOR DUTIES: The Case Manager position works under the supervision of the Program Supervisor/Team lead. This position provides community based behavioral health services to agency patients. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Reviews Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to mental health and substance use treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services.

1. Will work with the patients to meet the identified activities and goals of the individual service plan that is strength based and meets their unique needs.

1. Will work as part of a treatment team.

1. Will provide community based case management services to patients assigned to them in accordance with the individual service plan and evaluation recommendations. Services are provided in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational, considers interactions of mental health and substance use, and has patient-determined goals.

1. Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living.

1. Assist clients to find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live — apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens).

1. Assist and support patients to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.

1. Provide nutrition education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.

1. Assist and support patients to perform household activities, including house cleaning and laundry.

1. Ensure that patients have adequate financial support (e.g., help to gain employment or apply for entitlements).

1. Teach money-management skills (e.g., budgeting and bill paying) and assist patients in accessing financial services (e.g., professional financial counseling, emergency loan sources).

1. Help patients to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver’s license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides).

1. Assist and support patients to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required.

1. Provide individual supportive therapy (e.g., problem solving, role-playing, modeling and support), social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings.

1. Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

1. Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize (e.g., going with a client to a basketball game, coaching and supporting a client before he or she goes to a family reunion).

1. Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure patients’ time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support.

1. Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help patients obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; financial support such as entitlements (e.g., SSI, SSDI, and veterans’ benefits) or housing subsidies (e.g., HUD Section 8); supported housing (e.g., adult foster care, paid roommates, meals brought in for those who need it); money management services (e.g., payeeships); and transportation.

1. Maintain complete and up to date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.

1. Supports and implements agency policies and procedures.

1. Networks within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to patients to help meet their needs.

1. Establishes and maintains relationships with community agencies and service providers to meet the needs of the patients.

1. Represents the Agency in the community at various meetings and clinical reviews with the approval of the supervisor.

For case managers specializing in Employment Services:

1. Follow the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, adapted to team-based services within PACT. These include work-related services to help consumers value and understand the implications of, as well as find and maintain meaningful competitive employment in community-based job sites.

1. Conduct job development activities and coordination with employers

1. Conduct brief vocational assessments, as well as job coaching and follow-along job supports provided to the patient.

1. Provide ongoing benefits counseling.

1. Provide work-related supportive services, (assistance with resume development, job application preparation, interview support, grooming and personal hygiene, securing of appropriate clothing, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Bachelor's degree in human sciences or related field preferred;

1. High school diploma or equivalent with relevant college coursework required;

1. At least one year of training and experience in employment services (e.g., job development, job placement, supported employment). Preference will be given to people who have training and experience in working with individuals with mental illness within the IPS model of support employment.

1. Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.

1. Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for patient rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential.

1. Familiarity with applicable Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use disorder services (WAC 246-341).

1. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health. This position also requires the incumbent to have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and a private vehicle in order to fulfill the duties of the position.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides community based case management services to patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. Strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the patients.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, patients, significant others, family members and supports of the patients, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of patient records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Most of the work can be performed while sitting and talking. The position requires the ability to travel within the community by private vehicle to meet the patient in their own environment. The position requires the ability to assist the patients with daily life skills activities such as cooking, laundry and cleaning.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with patients in their homes or health clinics. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

Salary: $19.41 - $24.87/hr DOE

Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be your employer of choice by offering our regular/full-time employees a generous benefits package. Our plans cover 85% of medical, dental, and vision costs at the employee level and 75% for all dependent plans. The majority of out-of-pocket costs (i.e. co-pays, prescriptions, and deductibles) under our medical plans are also covered. We also offer other benefits, such as: employer paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and supplemental coverage.

Our full-time employees and some part-time employees also qualify for our 401(K) plan that matches dollar for dollar up to 5%. On top of all that, our full-time employees receive approximately 4 weeks of paid time off during their first year of employment (accrual rates increase with years of service), as well as 1 personal holiday and 12 paid holidays per year!

There are many other supplemental benefits we are glad to offer such as tuition reimbursement and discounted cellular service amongst others.

Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team!