Lead Case Manager

The LEAD Case Manager will provide participants with assistance and support for issues that often occur concurrently with involvement in the criminal justice system, substance use / misuse, mental health, homelessness, incarceration, legal issues, employment, education, transportation, need for social services, health care, child welfare involvement, childcare, and health insurance documentation. Case Manager will ensure that participants' bio-psycho-social needs are identified and addressed in a responsive and culturally-appropriate manner. The Case Manager will grow and maintain a network of supportive service providers across life domains in the service Area of Union County so that appropriate linkages can be made as quickly as possible.

The case manager must possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to competently perform case management activities. The case manager shall demonstrate evidence of working with substance use populations or evidence of addiction coursework. The competencies and role of the case shall include, but are not limited to the following :

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management services for assigned participants.
• Engage participants on the street and at social service provider facilities to establish a working relationship and offer services.
• Assess participants for severity of chemical dependency and housing status and determine needs for other services, e.g., medical, mental health.
• Assist participants in gaining access to a variety of funding programs (e.g., SSI, VA).
• Develop and implement with the participant's input an individualized Service Plan which addresses the needs of the participant for food, clothing, shelter, and health care and substance use disorder treatment or reduction / elimination of drug / alcohol use through self-change methods. Update this Plan periodically to reflect movement toward or attainment of articulated goals and the emergence of new participant needs and to help the participant move toward the achievement of autonomy.
• Provide a comprehensive case management assessment that addresses life domains such as housing, finances, transportation, legal services, vocational, employment, health care, and family strengths / needs;
• Link to appropriate care and resources in the community including resources that address specialized needs, such as agencies providing services related to HIV / AIDS, mental health disorders, chronic and acute health problems and problems stemming from involvement with the criminal justice system;
• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with community partners in the Union County area.
• Provide structured Intensive Case Management services consistent with program policies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with LEAD partners including Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth Police Department, Union County Prosecutor's office.
• Provide advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication.
• Attend regularly scheduled Operational Work Group Meetings and the staffing of participants with partners.
• Accompany participants to appointments as needed.
• Assist participants in developing a spending plan and in shopping.
• Advocate for the participant with a wide variety of other service providers :
• Assist participants in gaining entry into service programs.
• Develop relationships with housing resources, and assist the participant in gaining access to appropriate housing.
• Identify gaps and barriers in available community resources and advocate for systemic changes.
• Attend LEAD team meetings and other required meetings.
• Develop and maintain participant files for assigned caseload according to program in RDP
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

NOTE : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Job descriptions can be revised and updated periodically to meet the needs of the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor's degree required in health, psychology, counseling, social work, education, or other behavioral health professions. The case manager must have at least three (3) years' experience working with high need individuals involved with substance use disorder. Bilingual preferred.

TRAVEL : Domestic travel may be required for this full-time position. Local, independent travel is required.

EVENING AND WEEKEND AVAILABILITY : Must be available evenings and weekends