Employment Opportunity- Behavioral Health

The Independence Center has been providing psychosocial rehabilitation, group and individual therapy, case management, vocational and housing services to adults with chronic mental health needs in Lake County for over 30 years. Employees of the Center are champions in supporting our members as they progress toward achieving and maintaining healthier lifestyles and managing the cyclical nature of their diagnosis.

As a small, private agency we provide a work environment that encourages autonomy, fresh ideas, creativity, teamwork, and growth through frequent development and training opportunities. Our staff strive to make a positive impact in the lives of the community we serve through a unique and whole person-centered approach to treatment. We work in a challenging and sometimes stressful field, so we also like to have fun with staff gatherings and celebrations from time to time. If you want work with a purpose and to make a difference in someone’s life, a career at the Center could be the rewarding professional experience you have been seeking.

Position Summary:

The case manager is responsible for providing initial and ongoing assessment, clinical diagnosis, and development of individualized treatment plans for members of the Independence Center. The position will identify and recommend appropriate therapeutic and case management interventions to assist the member in meeting their treatment goals. Case managers often need to assess members in crisis situations (including safety assessments to others or the member themselves) and take appropriate action to manage the situation. Each case manager is assigned a caseload of members for whom they provide required services in-home and community-based to promote their mental and physical well-being.

Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Conduct and document, in Center’s timeframes, mental health assessments, treatment plans, safety and discharge plans, progress notes, reports, and service interventions for services rendered by members.
• Conduct case management services, including linking members to community resources and providing referrals to meet their needs. Assist members in obtaining public entitlements, housing, community resources (RTA Free Ride program, food pantries, clothing donations, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), PADS, etc.)
• Provide community support services and assist members in achieving and maintaining rehabilitative, resiliency and recovery goals. Services provided include therapeutic interventions that facilitate illness self-management, skill building, identification and use of natural supports and use of community resources.
• Coordinate, transport and participate in appointments with both mental and physical health medical providers to promote collaborative care and provide input on treatment needs. This includes tracking and documenting member information from appointments as well as ensuring follow-up and obtaining necessary referrals for services.
• Conduct non-medical assessments such as home safety, transportation, employment, and community/environment resources to provide referrals for appropriate services and resolve concerns on member’s behalf.
• Provide ongoing outreach via phone, email, text to members who have been absent from the center programs for extended periods of time.
• Facilitate educational and therapeutic groups in areas such as life skills, communication, coping, and conflict management.
• Coordinate and implement community events such as open hours, health fairs, and other health education events.

Benefits

We offer competitive salary and benefits, including health, medical, dental, vision, life, disability (short/long term) insurances. 403B retirement savings plan with employer match up to 2% of total compensation, tuition assistance. Paid Time Off - Including 18 days of PTO (Paid Time Off) and 8 paid holidays in the first year. For individuals working on licensing requirements, we also have LCSW and LCPC supervision hours available. Our staff enjoy a flexible, friendly, and casual-dress workplace.

The Independence Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination in all phases of employment based on an individual’s race, color, sex, age, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and any other classifications protected by federal, state, and local law.

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Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or related discipline
• Minimum one year of experience working with individuals with serious and chronic mental illness preferably experience includes: non-traditional treatment environments (in-home, residential, community settings).
• Strong interpersonal, mediation, conflict resolution skills.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement and demeanor in dealing with safety issues, emergencies, and high conflict situations with members.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments in a variety of settings and knowledge of resources available in the community.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability.
• Computer proficiency, including knowledge of Word, Outlook, and basic computer competency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related discipline.
• QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) or LHPA.