CASE MANAGER I (COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: A Case Manager I (Community Mental Health) is an entry level position where the incumbent performs case management activities for the less complicated cases of mentally ill clients. This class differs from that of Case Manager II (Community Mental Health) in that the incumbent works with a caseload (approximately 30-40) of chronically less difficult clients, under the direct supervision of a qualified mental health professional. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Identifies clients in need of case management services by completing initial intake and assessment forms with clients applying for mental health services, by visiting with clients in State Hospitals, community hospitals, community residences and local emergency services;
Coordinates the complete assessment of clients on their caseloads by arranging for clinical evaluations, psychiatric consultations, psychological testing, functional assessments, rehabilitative and social needs;
Integrates a written service plan for each client and plans for its implementation;
Monitors and follows-up the implementation of the written service plan by linking clients with necessary providers, assisting in gaining access to needed medical, psychiatric, social, educational, and other services, maintaining contact through the course of treatment;
Assures medication regimen compliance through teaching and interpreting to clients the importance of prescribed medications, monitoring usage and refilling of prescriptions, and being aware of and alert to side-effects;
Assists clients in learning to use fiscal resources through budget planning, monitoring and instruction in spending, and assisting with applications to entitlements;
Prevents and/or resolves developing crises to avoid unnecessary use of emergency rooms and re-hospitalizations;
Assures the maintenance of case management records with appropriate reviews and updating of service plans.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Working knowledge of case management techniques; working knowledge of the problems of the chronically mentally ill; working knowledge of human behavior; working knowledge of community resources and how to access them; ability to relate well with people; ability to deal confidently with other service providers.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education; AND EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four year college with a Bachelor's Degree including 18 credit hours in psychology, sociology, social science, or human services related course;
OR: - Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college with an Associate's Degree in Human Services or related field AND two (2) years of full-time, paid experience in a mental health setting, or other human service field, working directly with mentally ill individuals.
Competitive Class