Direct Support Case Manager

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Residential/Community Based Supports Supervisor, the Case Manager serves individuals with learning, developmental and behavioral health disabilities through: direct support/case management; positive direction; and, advocacy in the community on behalf of and with the client. All are accomplished in accordance with JESPY program policies and procedures.

The client is the focus of services. The Case Manager assesses the client initially and on an ongoing basis to identify current level of care and service gaps. The Case Manager coordinates services accordingly, as client’s needs change.

The Case Manager promotes money management skills. Tasks include teaching clients to develop and maintain budgets, use of banking services, and planning for major purchases. The Case Manager completes ledgers, reconciles accounts and assists with spending choices. The Case Manager gradually promotes the client’s ability to assume mastery of personal financial matters.

Essential Functions

• Establishes a collaborative relationship with involved family members or significant others in order to advance identified goals. Will provide supportive services to individual clients; if more in depth services are required, initiate a referral to the clinical services division on the client’s behalf.
• Maintains and expands skills and knowledge relevant to providing high quality support and services. Attends trainings as directed and applies new knowledge to current assignment. Obtains and maintains all required certifications. As the identified lead service provider, the Case Manager communicates and proactively interfaces with all JESPY staff and with the client’s major external contacts (e.g., family members, employers, other agencies).
• Assumes leadership in interactions with representatives of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities or assigned support coordinators, if applicable.
• Reports and/or documents, in a concise, understandable, and legible manner in the electronic health record (EHR). Case notes need to demonstrate a direct relationship to the achievement of treatment goals as defined in the ISP or the Annual Case Evaluation. Completion of daily logs, accident reports, incident reports, outcome data sheets and all appropriate Agency and government forms are to be done in a timely manner. Case Manager takes the lead in convening the Annual Case Evaluation meeting
• Under the guidance of the Director of Operations the Case Manager and/or Entitlements Coordinator will become knowledgeable in understanding the client’s continued eligibility for entitlements sufficient to address the client’s needs. Works with client and family to maximize client’s resources
• As necessary, the Case Manager assumes responsibility for arranging client transportation to attend vital appointments
• Maintains an annual calendar of important medical events that may include such items as annual physicals, vision/auditory exams and medication monitoring. Consult with various medical or psychiatric providers as necessary.
• Actively participates in department meetings, supervision meetings and case conferences
• Visits client’s residence at least monthly to ensure that the client is living in a safe, clean and hygienic environment, and that the client has sufficient food and clothing
• Collaborates with the assigned Daily Living Skills (DLS) counselor
• Consults regularly with the WREE department regarding potential placements or ongoing adaptation at current training or work sites
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies

• Good Work Ethic
• Flexibility and Adaptability:
• Good Judgment
• Communications
• Listening Skills
• Confidentiality
• Awareness
• Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships
• Conflict Resolution

Commitment to Core Value

• Adhere strictly to HIPAA requirements and all agency confidentiality guidelines.
• Establish positive, balanced relationships with clients, as demonstrated by:
  • treatment of individuals with respect and dignity and in an age and culturally appropriate manner;
  • a commitment towards the individual's rights and responsibilities; and
  • establishment of clear boundaries that allow for productive interactions.

Other Responsibilities

• Adopts all Agency policies and procedures and attends mandatory in-service programs.
• Reports any incident or accident involving oneself, or Agency clients. Reports all unusual, questionable or dangerous situations to the management immediately. Provides all information in writing, necessary to assist in completing the required report.
• Immediately reports any suspicion of verbal, physical, sexual abuse or neglect on the part of clients or any staff to the immediate supervisor and Executive Director.
• Reports immediately any unusual, inappropriate or potentially risky behavior on the part of anyone visiting an individual at any of the JESPY sites, to the site supervisor, the Director of Operations, or the Executive Director
• Maintains strict confidentiality of organizational and individual information, in accordance with HIPAA standards.
• Demonstrates concern and courtesy to clients, staff, family members and visitors.
• Other responsibilities that may arise within the job scope

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Educational Requirements

• Social Work Bachelor’s Degree w/ 3 years’ experience preferred or 5 years’ consistent experience in related field.

Work Experience Requirement

• Degree with 3 years’ experience preferred or 5 years’ consistent experience in related field

Skills/Abilities

• Supports JESPY House policies, vision, and core values while empowering all clients to direct their own life choices
• Knowledgeable about the person-centered approach to service delivery. As an empathic listener, remain patient, listen carefully and offer appropriate feedback to clients served
• Maintain strict and professional boundaries particularly in regard to confidentiality.
• Understanding of learning and developmental disabilities and best approaches to working with clients with these disabilities
• Communicates effectively in writing; completes all time sensitive written and electronic documents
• Skilled at working well with other staff members. Ability to coordinate the efforts of the client’s various caregivers
• Familiarity with EHR systems, Microsoft Word and Excel

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Hourly
• Monday through Friday
• Must have availability of 8am – 8pm, as department schedule dictates for an 8 hrs. per day schedule

Special Working Conditions/Physical/Requirements – Working Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• Must be available for coverage on some weekends and after 5pm when required.
• Valid driving license is required
• Must hold CPR/First Aid Valid Certification
• Successful clearance of NJ background check
• Successful clearance of Drug Screening
• Has fulfilled the necessary training requirements and is in good standing in order to bill Medicaid for Support and Community Care Waiver (CCW) Services and CDS

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift to 10 pounds.