Human Resources

Specialist - Case Management

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is professional level clinical and administrative work which involves responsibility for the administration and supervision of a psychiatric services unit of a Community Mental Health/Mental Retardation  program.  The work requires a high degree of independent action; program development and implementation skills; the supervision of Intensive Case Manager and Case Manager II; and coordination of staff participation in multi-disciplinary clinical treatment team.  Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Participates in the intake and screening of new patients (making a clinical evaluation in all areas except medical);
Conducts individual and group supervision of case managers regarding treatment and management of their caseloads;
Participates in case management service delivery;
Participates as a team member in conferences designed for diagnosis of and treatment of patients;
Participates in informational and educational community activities to further community knowledge and the prevention of psychiatric disorders;
Participates in long range planning toward the development of better mental health programs;
Works with other professionals and non-professionals in exploring the community to find individuals who need treatment but are unable or unwilling to seek treatment;
Participates in activities to stimulate community interest in the prevention and detection of mental illness;
Coordinates supplemental services within a program;
Screens referrals and assigns staff;
Supervises and evaluates staff within assigned unit.

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:  Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, procedures, and practices of clinical therapy and case management and how they relate to the functioning of community mental health services delivery; thorough knowledge of community resources which includes availability of services, scope of services rendered, and how to use them effectively; ability to work effectively with others within the agency as well as between community agencies; ability to organize, direct, and coordinate clinical or case management services in a mental health program; ability to prepare technical and informational data for administrative use; ability to provide professional leadership of a high order; ability to analyze and evaluate reports of staff workers and make sound decisions; ability to plan day to day activities as well as develop short term plans; ability to supervise the work of the clinical staff; ability to organize and operate a program of orientation for new staff and training of students in the area of clinical practices as they relate to community mental health; ability to support and encourage on-going professional growth of staff; tact and courtesy; integrity; good judgment.

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 and the ability to adjust focus and make visual observation of clients.

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 high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND:

Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology (or a related field such as Community Counseling, Education Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Art Therapy, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.) from a regionally accredited college or university or a graduate school approved by the NYS Department of Education.  New York State License is required in the area of a professional degree, AND three (3) years post graduate experience working with the mentally ill, mentally retarded/develop-mentally disabled, or alcohol/substance abuse.