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

1. Work collaboratively within Homeless Outreach and Stabilization Team (HOST) Program in Clark County. This program will be designed to serve people who are living with serious substance use disorders or co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, are experiencing homelessness, and whose severity of behavioral health symptom acuity level creates a barrier to accessing and receiving conventional behavioral health services and outreach models. HOST teams work throughout the county to outreach and engage the most vulnerable individuals into services with the ultimate goals of addressing their behavioral and physical health needs, increasing stability, obtaining housing, and transitioning them into long-term services for their substance use disorders or co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Host teams will utilize the principles consistent with modified Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model that will best serve targeted population.

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 patients with activities of daily living.

1. Assist patients 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 patient to a basketball game, coaching and supporting a patient 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 Substance Use Disorders:

1. Conducts comprehensive substance use assessments that consider the relationship between substance use and mental health. Applies stages of treatment and functional analysis to inform treatment planning.

2. Provides individual and group treatment in the office and in the community.

3. Able to provide services such as engagement and motivational enhancement strategies, problem solving, and relapse prevention.

4. Understands and employs cognitive behavioral principles when providing substance use counseling and teaching relapse prevention.

5. Is able to provide education around substance use or co-occurring reatment to other team members, patients, and natural supports

6. Coordinates with inpatient services for withdrawal management and/or residential treatment. Establishes linkage to outpatient services (if required) and self-help programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Meet DOH standards as a substance use professional (i.e. SUDP, SUDP/T);

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

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

1. One year of experience working with adults or youth living with substance use or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders required;

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 in the community meeting with patients in homeless camps, their homes, health clinics and community agencies. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Clinical Supervisor/Program Director