CLCS Case Manager

The Independence Center; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Independence Center in Waukegan, IL is seeking a Case Manager to provide comprehensive case management and mental health services to members. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and entails coordinating services, referrals, and housing assistance, with a strong emphasis on autonomy and teamwork.

You will conduct assessments, develop treatment and discharge plans, connect members to community resources, and support daily living skills while maintaining clear documentation and collaborating

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field (or equivalent with two years of supervised clinical experience).
• Two years of experience in a mental health setting preferred.
• Experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document mental health assessments, treatment plans, safety and discharge plans, progress notes, and service interventions.
• Provide case management services, linking members to community resources and referrals, including entitlements and housing.
• Offer community support services to help clients achieve recovery goals and self-management.
• Coordinate appointments with health providers and promote collaborative care.
• Perform non-medical assessments to identify needs and provide referrals.
• Outreach via phone, email, and in-person contact to reduce barriers to treatment.
• Facilitate educational and therapeutic groups on life skills and coping.
• Maintain a caseload with supportive counseling and skill-building.
• Monitor medications and attend related appointments.
• Assist clients in finding housing and establishing routines.
• Provide crisis planning and support when clients are struggling.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation

Organization

Valid driver's license

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Case Manager

Status: Full-time (36 hours per week)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Summary:

1. Demonstrate professionalism and a positive attitude in all dealings with members, staff, and other agencies. Display dependability, initiative, and enthusiasm; use tact and sensitivity in communicating effectively and respectfully with members, other staff, and other agencies. The individual must learn, understand, and practice Independence Center protocols, policies, language, and skills.
2. A professional demeanor and strong communication skills are essential; this includes verbal, written, telephone, email, text, social media, and other means of communication. This position requires working autonomously and as part of a team. The individual must be intrinsically motivated, flexible to shifts in priorities, and adaptive to changing work requirements; this includes arriving to work on time, following leave request protocols, and adhering to an established work schedule.
3. The employee must demonstrate the ability to function in a computer-oriented office, including working knowledge of all relevant software. It is expected to maintain and improve job skills through training, education, seminars, and other activities designed to promote best practices about job duties. Some flexibility in schedule may be required to meet deadlines, including extended work.
4. The position is responsible for providing the following duties:

• Conduct and document mental health assessments, treatment plans, safety, discharge plans, progress notes, reports, and service interventions for services rendered.
• Conduct case management services, including linking members to community resources and providing referrals to meet their needs. Assist individuals in obtaining public entitlements, housing, and 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 residents 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 community resources.
• Coordinate, transport, and participate in appointments with mental and physical health medical providers to promote collaborative care and provide input on treatment needs.
• Conduct non-medical assessments such as home safety, transportation, employment, and community/environment resources to provide referrals for appropriate services and resolve concerns on the individual's behalf.
• Provide outreach via phone, email, in person, and text to individuals per policy, to remove therapeutic ambivalence to treatment, follow up on referrals, and reduce any barriers that may remain.
• Facilitate educational and therapeutic groups in life skills, communication, coping, and conflict management.
• Carry a caseload of clients providing supportive counseling, teaching coping skills, and helping them manage of their symptoms
• Monitor client's medication and attend appointments with them (medical, dental, therapy, etc.)
• Help clients find housing
• Teach life skills (budgeting, grocery shopping, hygiene, laundry, etc.) and help them establish routines
• Provide therapeutic interventions and support when clients are struggling
• Help clients develop a crisis plan
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Demands

There are considerable physical demands associated with this position. The employee will have to spend long hours sitting, using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain. The position may also have to do some light lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.

Lifting: Occasionally

Climbing: Rarely

Carrying: Occasionally

Reaching: Rarely

Pushing: Rarely

Grasping: Rarely

Bending: Occasionally

Fine Eye to Hand Coordination: Frequently

Squatting: Occasionally

Typing: Continuously

Kneeling: Occasionally

Driving: Frequently

Work Environment: In-Doors 75% - Out Doors 25%

#ZR

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field, or a Bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting, or a high school diploma/GED with a Certificate of Psychiatric Rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program/ CRSS certification through ICB., and two years of experience in a mental health setting.

Experience in community-based services preferred

1-3 years of clinical experience preferred

Experience in Crisis Intervention & De-escalation

Must be self-motivated, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Experience with clients with serious mental illness, substance abuse problems and medically complex needs a plus. Must be able to work with diverse populations with multi-faceted needs. Excellent written and oral communication skills needed, with demonstrated ability to engage clients. Efficient computer literacy skills and ability to utilize Microsoft Office. Valid driver’s license.