Child and Adolescent Case Manager

Under direction of the Program Manager of Child and Adolescent Case Managers and within federal, state and local guidelines performs routine case management work for young children and adolescents. Work involves developing and maintaining long-term contact with individuals, individuals served families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

This position is responsible for overseeing the care of children and adolescents in Behavioral Health services assigned to various Levels of Care (LOC). This position works to ensure the continuity of care for individuals served on their caseload. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and six (6) months prior experience in a mental health field preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Individual needs to meet the requirements to qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional).
• All job specific training is required to be completed within 30 days of hire.
• This position requires a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•   Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
•   Knowledge of community resources, of case management delivery systems, and of program policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess individuals' needs, coordinate services, and communicate effectively.
•   May train others.
•   Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.
•   Ability to make decisions based on education and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
•   This position requires an understanding of community resources available for Denton County and the willingness to acquire new resources in the community.
•   Ability to work with clients of different cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, and belief systems.
•   Ability to work with clients who may display symptoms of mental illness including poor hygiene, difficulty controlling anger and low frustration tolerance, difficulty, or inability to display appropriate social behavior, and who are suicidal or homicidal.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

•   Attends and participates in all scheduled team meetings.
•   Staff will attend meetings as scheduled and sign-in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
•  If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor or team lead within one week to review the information.
•   Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
•   Maintains professional boundaries.
•   Interacts with Center staff, individuals, and community members in a professional manner.
• Provides Case Management. Case Management is provided in a team-based environment. Caseload size will vary.
•   Provides routine case management and skills training as appropriate to individuals approved for services as defined in Texas Resilience Recovery (TRR) guidelines.
•   Provides resources/referrals to meet individual needs and helps them navigate different systems.
•   Will assist other teammates in their absence by providing services to individuals on their caseload as needed.
•   Completes community base visits as required.
•   Community-based visits occur for individuals based on the need of Level of Care (LOC) 1 and LOC 2, and LOC 3.
•   Ensures each individual served is provided services as required by the level of care assignment for each month.
•   Engagement measure with consumers is at 65.6% monthly.
•  Maintains contact standards as defined in TRR guidelines.
•   The productivity level is at least 60 hours for each month.
•   Administers clinical assessments and paperwork to determine appropriateness of level of care assignments required to meet individual's needs.
•   Required paperwork includes Children and Adolescent Needs and Strength Assessment (CANS), Recovery Plan, Rights Review, and consent forms.
•   Is familiar with all applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), fidelity tools, and Texas Human Health Services (HHSC) contract information and Center policies and procedures.
•   All documentation is completed within two business days, to meet or exceed 95% monthly.
•   Skills training notes include fidelity words.
• Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.
•   Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.
•   All paperwork will be signed in black ink with credentials and date.
•   All paperwork is completed within Center policies and procedures.
•   Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to HHSC and Center policies and procedures.
•   Completes other duties as assigned.
•   All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.
•   Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.
•   Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.