Case Manager II

La Clínica de La Raza; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health center in Oakland seeks a Case Manager to address social determinants of health affecting patients. The role involves assessments, counseling, and linking patients to resources. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and experience in behavioral health settings is preferred. Proficiency in English and Spanish may be required. This position offers a unique opportunity to support at-risk populations and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
• Experience with modalities of brief counseling preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced interdisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strength-based psychosocial assessments.
• Provide evidence-based psychosocial counseling to clients.
• Link patients effectively to assessment and resources.

Skills

Cultural competence

Organizational skills

Empathy

Knowledge of social work principles

Education

Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, counseling or related field

Job description

Who we are

La Clinica de La Raza is a non‑profit, community‑based health center established in 1971 to address health barriers and create better lives for the underserved. We have proudly grown into 35 sites across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano County. To learn more about our history, click here: Our History - La Clinica or visit our website at www.laclinica.org.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Case Manager works actively to mitigate the social determinants of health that disproportionately impact our patient population. As an essential member of the care team, the Case Manager provides direct patient services within primary care or behavioral health clinics. The role requires the ability to develop strong relationships with at‑risk patients (and families), support patients in accessing culturally appropriate services, provide linkage and referral, patient education, advocacy, motivational interviewing, and emotional support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strength‑based psychosocial assessments addressing a wide range of behavioral health and psychosocial issues; provide patient and resource information to providers; develop follow‑up plans.
• Provide evidence‑based, short‑term psychosocial counseling or rehabilitation counseling and psychoeducation to clients and families.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide education, information, and referral to ensure linkage and utilization of services within La Clinica and external community resources.
• Identify high‑risk patients and refer/consult with supervisors as appropriate.
• Run psychoeducational or resource groups or assist with psychotherapy groups as indicated.
• Administer objective screening tools and outcome measures as determined by program.
• Conduct and facilitate timely and coordinated communication among patients, providers, and staff.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive referral system.
• Link patients effectively to all levels of assessment and resources within and external to La Clinica; monitor linkage and participation.
• Provide outreach, advocacy, and follow‑up through phone calls and meetings to support patient access and engagement.
• Act as a single point of contact to receive and coordinate referrals.
• Facilitate warm hand‑offs and referrals between staff and community resources to support whole‑person health.
• Use Electronic Health Record and population management tools to collect data and produce reports supporting collaborative care.
• Participate in case presentations, seminars, clinical supervision, and peer review as needed.

Program‑Specific Responsibilities

Comprehensive Perinatal Services Programs (CPSP) Only

• Conduct routine assessments of pregnant patients, identify strengths and risks, and develop a service plan per CPSP protocols.

Specialty Mental Health Programs Only

• Work with clinical team to support clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Accompany clients to appointments to ensure adherence to treatment plans.
• Provide individual rehabilitation and coaching services in the community.
• Provide supportive case management services to complement clinical treatment goals.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

School‑Based Health Center (SBHC) Programs

• Conduct needs assessments for newcomer students to link to community services, insurance and school support.
• Support school advocacy related to IEP/504 processes.
• May require registration as a Wellness Coach with the state of CA.

Pediatric Settings

• Provide screening using specific pediatric tools.
• Coordinate referrals to regional centers and for services related to autism such as ABA.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Cultural competence and proactive self‑reflection on positionality and incorporation of antiracism approaches to clinical care.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work; basic psychological theory and practices related to human behavior.
• Familiarity with local resources and regulations.
• Experience with modalities of brief counseling; familiarity with Cognitive‑Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Counseling and Motivational Interview preferred.
• Ability to establish rapport and conduct psychosocial assessments with sensitive questions.
• Ability to quickly identify risk factors related to patient safety and communicate them effectively.
• Ability to form empathic and collaborative relationships with patients.
• Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal competence.
• Ability to work under the direction of clinicians and medical providers.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced interdisciplinary team environment.

Education and Experience

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling or related field from an accredited program or equivalent lived/work experience.
• Must hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate; 30‑day grace period to obtain upon hire.
• Must have one year of counseling and/or crisis intervention experience or case management experience in a behavioral health/medical/social service setting.
• Crisis intervention experience includes working with domestic violence, hotlines, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poverty, homelessness, disability, complex medical conditions and other psychosocial stressors.
• Experience providing short‑term counseling to Latino clients preferred.
• Experience providing support and advocacy preferred.
• Experience with CBT, solution‑focused counseling and Motivational Interviewing preferred.
• English/Spanish preferred; may be required depending on location.

Alternative Qualifications for Behavioral Health Programs

In some programs, the Bachelor’s degree may be substituted with:

• High School Diploma or GED, and 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Associate’s Degree, and 2 years of relevant work experience.

Physical Requirements

• Remain in stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Bend/lift, push/pull, adjust, or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds and occasionally more.
• Repeat motions that may include neck, wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Reaching above shoulder or below waist.