Case Manager - Mental Health Association - Western MA

Mental Health Association is hiring immediately for a Case Manager. The Case Manager will Provide outreach, assessment and engagement to participants of the BSAS Low-Threshold Housing Program using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.  Support individuals who are in substance use recovery and experiencing homelessness to transition into housing, maintain housing, and ensure their other needs are met. Provide emotional support and psychoeducation re: coping skills and harm-reduction strategies. Complete documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner. Perform responsibilities professionally, in accordance with MHA’s Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines. 

Position’s Essential Functions:

Intake Coordination

• Coordinate documentation necessary for entry into the program including but not limited to: homeless verification, substance use assessment, eligibility screening, authorizations, notice of policies. Write initial Adult Comprehensive Assessments and updates and treatment plans.   

Service Planning

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the development of the Individualized Action Plan utilizing the participant’s strengths in establishing and meeting their goals.  Actively support the implementation strategies as outlined in the IAP and document progress as required. 

• Develop, monitor, and implement program support strategies, crisis and behavioral plans in cooperation with the participant and treatment team.  Adjust and adapt level of support to varying needs of the participants.

Housing Stability

• Assist participants’ entry safe housing. Develop and maintain relationships with landlords.
• Provide tenancy support by assisting participants to negotiate with landlords for repairs and maintenance as necessary using health and housing code regulations as standards; assist participants to comply with tenant responsibilities such as apartment upkeep, noise restrictions, etc.
• Assist participant to organize home moves (i.e. utilities, address changes). Physically assist participant in packing and moving furniture, and household items as required.  Seek agency assistance as needed.

Income and Benefit Maximization, Employment

• Assist participants with efforts to secure and maintain employment, employment training or education which will lead to employment.
• Educate and assist participants to understand and access benefits and resources, i.e., Social Security, EAEDC, SNAP/Food Stamps, PVTA and Fuel Assistance.

Community Resources and Access

• Promote participant engagement in community life and resources by assisting with access to libraries, recovery groups, social activities, day/vocational programming, Recovery Learning Community, and local events.
• Engage, educate and empower participants to access community based resources in order to achieve greater self-determination, rehabilitation and recovery (included but not limited to gaining and maintaining transportation, ADL skills, money management and social and recreational activities.)

Participant Health and Wellbeing

• Provide emotional support, support the development and practicing of coping skills, and counsel on harm-reduction
• Assist participant with coordinating, scheduling and attending medical, dental and psychiatric appointments when applicable.  Support participant in establishing visiting nursing services.
• Provide pre-crisis/crisis accessibility while on duty by checking voicemail frequently throughout the shift.  Respond immediately to all pre-crisis/crisis or medical calls.  Keep supervisory personnel (and nursing staff as needed) informed of the situation(s) by speaking with them directly whenever possible.  Follow MHA reporting protocols

Teamwork, Communications, Cooperation, Continuous Learning

• Regularly attend and actively participate in team meetings, supervision meetings and/or other scheduled meetings.  Attend agency mandated training and maintain required certifications.  Pursue additional activities and training to enhance job knowledge and competency which afford opportunities for professional growth.
• Work with the team toward the common vision of community based flexible supports.  Demonstrate professionalism, organization, and good interpersonal skills so that the goals of the participants and the program can be met.
• Provide transportation to participants to ensure that they are able to address their needs (i.e. medical/psychiatric appointments, social engagements, vocational opportunities, etc.)  Complete MHA’s Defensive Driving training.  Maintain sufficient gas in your tank to provide work duties.  Vehicle must be in working condition and able to transport on longer trips when needed. Mileage will be reimbursed by MHA.
• Communicate and report in a timely manner all issues, concerns or incidents to supervisory personnel.  Complete the necessary written documentation related to particular incidents within mandated timelines.
• Regularly utilize on-line agency reporting systems; internet based applications (such as the time sheet program); and any future programs that are deemed necessary to complete the job.  Read email daily.  Attend training to strengthen or gain new computer skills as necessary.

Safety

• Promote a safe workplace environment by identifying and addressing any safety hazards/issues, reporting all employee accidents to Human Resources and participant accidents to supervisory personnel, and following established MHA safety policies.
• Communicate and report in a timely manner all issues, concerns or incidents to supervisory personnel.  Complete the necessary written documentation related to particular incidents within mandated timelines.
• Report any incidents of participant abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) or act of omission/neglect to agency management, the Disabled Person’s Protection Commission (DPPC), or elder abuse hotline, as applicable.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Valid driver’s license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Good oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, caring, and compassion.
• Must be able to pass and maintain certifications in CPR and first aid.
• Must be at least twenty-one years old.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or relevant field required.
• Requires six months of applicable experience.  Experience with individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges or individuals with a history of housing instability preferred.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Long Term Disability