What are the responsibilities and job description for the CASE MANAGER - REHAB SERVICES position at UAB Medical West Hospital?
About the Role:
The Case Manager - Rehab Services plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating comprehensive rehabilitation plans for patients recovering from injury, illness, or surgery. This position ensures that each patient receives personalized care by assessing their needs, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and connecting them with appropriate resources and services. The Case Manager advocates for patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, monitoring progress and adjusting plans to optimize outcomes. By maintaining detailed documentation and communication with healthcare providers, patients, and families, the Case Manager ensures continuity and quality of care. Ultimately, this role aims to support patients in achieving maximum independence and improved quality of life through effective rehabilitation management.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Associates or Bachelor's in Nursing, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related healthcare field.
- At least one to two years of experience in case management / social work in acute care, rehabilitation, or worker compensation setting
- A minimum of BLS is required or must obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Knowledge of rehabilitation processes, community resources, and healthcare systems.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential or equivalent certification.
- Experience working with diverse patient populations and complex medical conditions.
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and case management software.
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, or Healthcare Administration.
- Bilingual abilities or experience working in multicultural environments.
Responsibilities:
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients' rehabilitation needs and develop individualized care plans.
- Coordinate with healthcare professionals, therapists, social workers, and external agencies to implement and monitor rehabilitation services.
- Facilitate communication between patients, families, and care teams to ensure understanding and adherence to rehabilitation goals.
- Track patient progress and outcomes, adjusting care plans as necessary to meet evolving needs.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
- Provide education and support to patients and families regarding rehabilitation processes and available resources.
- Assist in discharge planning and ensure smooth transitions to home or other care settings.
Skills:
The Case Manager utilizes strong interpersonal and communication skills daily to effectively liaise between patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring clear understanding and coordination of rehabilitation plans. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for assessing patient needs and adapting care strategies to changing circumstances. Organizational skills enable the Case Manager to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining detailed and accurate documentation. Knowledge of healthcare systems and community resources supports efficient navigation and connection to services that enhance patient recovery. Additionally, proficiency with technology, including electronic health records and case management software, facilitates streamlined documentation and communication within the care team.