Community Based Associate Case Manager

Description

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff. 

This position ensures comprehensive support and service coordination for individuals experiencing serious mental illness, ensuring their needs are met. The Associate Case Manager (ACM) assists clients in developing and achieving their short and long-term goals, and in accessing community resources through a person-centered approach. Services are delivered with respect for cultural preferences and in accordance with clients’ rights.

The ACM assists in developing and coordinating comprehensive care plans, advocating for clients, and providing linkage and referrals to additional community resources as needed. They also coordinate crisis intervention services and support clients in their pursuit of emotional and physical health and wellness The ACM works with clients in the community, home environments, and agency locations, adhering to posted work hours and shifts.

Full-Time and Part-Time Positions available!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides psychiatric support and treatment services in outpatient and community settings.
• Establishes therapeutic relationships and assists clients in problem-solving and functioning effectively.
• Maintains regular contact with clients, provides crisis intervention, and supports goal achievement.
• Supports clients in developing skills that lead to independence. 
• Links clients to additional services and resources, advocates for their needs, and communicates with family members as needed. 
• Collaborates with supervisors, team members, and other agencies to ensure effective service delivery.
• Assists with discharge planning for hospitalized clients and helps them track and keep appointments.:
• Efficiently completes required paperwork.
• Participates in agency activities and projects.
• Willingness to provide backup for other staff and perform additional duties as assigned.

Specific/Individual Competencies:

• Capable of providing instruction and training to address barriers.
• Committed to improving individual and agency operations.
• Incorporates Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) techniques into daily work activities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Actively participates in CQI process teams and supports CQI initiatives to drive organizational improvement. 

Organizational Competencies: 

• Understands and articulates the agency’s core mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Dedicated to the principles of the Sanctuary Model, utilizing the seven commitments as a guide to creating a safe and non-violent environment for clients and staff.
• Familiar with and adheres to relevant policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate proactive and effective leadership to address client needs promptly and efficiently. 
• Works closely with coworkers and clients to create a seamless and integrated care process.
• Ensures that all services are tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of clients.
• Maintains a high standard of professional behavior in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
• Exhibits integrity, accountability, and respect in the workplace, fostering a positive and productive organizational culture.
• Actively participates in team activities, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Supports colleagues and contribute to group efforts to achieve shared goals and enhance service delivery.
• Upholds the agency’s code of ethics and professional standards in all practices.
• Demonstrates ethical decision-making and accountability in both individual and team contexts. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is dynamic and involves extensive interaction with individuals and families, cooperation with multiple community organizations, as well as computer-based data entry and monitoring. It demands cultural and racial diversity awareness and sensitivity. The employee is expected to uphold a standard of patient engagement.

• Employees may interact with a diverse group of individuals, some of whom may display anger and frustration due to stressful situations. These individuals may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and require treatment.
• The employee will be exposed to and need to deal with a range of emotionally charged issues in a compassionate, trauma-informed manner.

Requirements

Position Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma (required)
• Associate’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or related Human Services field preferred
• CDCA preferred
• Must be eligible to drive company vehicles.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for coverage as defined by the agency’s commercial insurance carrier8
• Proof of insurance (for those using personal vehicles for business purposes)