Lead Case Manager

Oparc; Montclair (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OPARC in Southern California seeks a Lead Case Manager for Licensed Programs to ensure continuity and quality of case management across sites. You will guide Case Managers, monitor documentation, align with person-centered planning, and uphold regulatory standards.

The role emphasizes coverage during staff absences, coordination with program managers, and ongoing training to maintain high service quality across Licensed Programs.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of two years of experience in case management, habilitation, or related support services.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and service delivery.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (DDS, CCL, Regional Center) preferred.
• Ability to pass DOJ background check and fingerprint clearance, TB test, and pre-employment physical.
• Valid CA driver’s license with proof of insurance and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated back-up Case Manager to ensure uninterrupted services during absences.
• Assume temporary caseload responsibilities and maintain participant engagement and required documentation.
• Ensure timely ISP meetings, progress reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Provide guidance and coaching to Case Managers and oversee case management system.
• Support implementation of person-centered service plans aligned with goals and funding requirements.
• Promote consistency across sites and provide onboarding/training for staff.

Skills

Case management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

Title: Lead Case Manager (Licensed Programs)

General Statement of Function: The Lead Case Manager for Licensed Programs serves as a cross-site resource responsible for ensuring continuity, compliance, and consistency in case management services across programs. This role provides guidance and support to Case Managers, monitors documentation and service delivery practices, and helps maintain alignment with person-centered planning, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.

The Lead Case Manager plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted services during staff absences, reducing compliance risk, and supporting Program Managers by stabilizing case management operations across sites.

Essential Functions

Continuity of Case Management Services

• Serve as the designated back-up Case Manager (to Summit Services or ADCs) to ensure uninterrupted participant services during planned and unplanned staff absences.
• Assume temporary caseload responsibilities when Case Managers are on leave, including maintaining participant engagement, communication with support teams, and required documentation.
• Ensure no lapse in required timelines, including ISP meetings, progress reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Provide timely response to urgent participant needs, service changes, or compliance-related deadlines.
• Maintain working knowledge of participants across assigned programs to support seamless service continuity.

Case Management Support & Consistency

• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to Case Managers, including serving as a primary resource for the case management system of licensed programs, and providing administrative oversight of system-related functions such as user support, troubleshooting, data integrity, workflow processes, and documentation standards.
• Support implementation of person-centered service plans aligned with participant goals, needs, and funding requirements.
• Assist Case Managers, as needed, in navigating complex participant situations, including behavioral, social, or service coordination challenges.
• Promote consistency across sites to ensure uniform quality of case management services.
• Provide onboarding and ongoing training to new and existing Case Managers of Licensed Programs, ensuring all staff are trained consistently in case management documentation practices, regulatory requirements, case management system use, and person-centered service delivery.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Perform monthly reviews and audits of Case Magic files for participants with annuals due, ensuring all documentation (e.g., uploads, required paperwork, and progress notes) is complete, current, and compliant with program and regulatory standards.
• Monitor case management practices to ensure compliance with Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Community Care Licensing (CCL), and Regional Center requirements.
• Conduct ongoing internal reviews of participant records and documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Identify documentation or compliance gaps and provide guidance and follow-up to ensure corrective action is taken.
• Prepare and provide monthly caseload status reports to Program Managers and the Director of Licensed Programs, including coverage needs, documentation status, and emerging concerns.
• Analyze and present annual case management trends, including patterns in coverage, compliance, and service outcomes, with recommendations to improve efficiency, compliance, and participant outcomes.

Participant Goal & Service Support

• Review service documentation and provide feedback to ensure alignment with individual service plans and Regional Center expectations.
• Collaborate with Program Managers, Assistant Program Managers, and staff to support development of meaningful activities and services tied to participant goals.
• Assist, as needed, in evaluating participant progress and supporting adjustments to services to enhance outcomes.
• Support coordination of behavior intervention strategies and service planning in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including BCBAs and other specialists, as needed.

Communication & Coordination

• Monitor and support timely, professional communication between Case Managers, staff, participants, families, and funding agencies.
• Participate in participant meetings (e.g., IDTs, ISPs) as needed to support service continuity and represent Licensed Programs.
• Serve as a resource and support point for staff, care providers, and service coordinators as needed.

Operational Support

• Support Program Managers by absorbing case management coverage responsibilities, allowing leadership to focus on program operations, staffing, and compliance oversight.
• Assist in managing fluctuations in caseload demands across programs and sites.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Adhere to proper care and responsible use of Oparc-issued property, tools, and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and service quality.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in case management, habilitation, or related support services required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of person-centered planning and service delivery.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (DDS, CCL, Regional Center) preferred.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities across sites.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and capable of learning documentation systems.
• Knowledge of behavior support strategies, documentation practices, and confidentiality requirements.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and fingerprint clearance, complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations (as applicable).
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of current vehicle insurance, must have a clear driving record, and two (2) years of driving experience.
• Reliable transportation to travel and attend off-site meetings.
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments, which can include, but is not limited to allergens, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, dampness or chilling, excessive noise and/or slippery and uneven walking surfaces and indoor warehouse-type settings that may lack heating, air conditioning, and have concrete flooring.
• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications — or ability to obtain upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, or other languages) is a plus.

Work Environment Requirements

• Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.
• Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.
• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending and pulling required.
• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions.
• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of Oparc issued property, tools, and equipment.

Location: Oparc – Upland office- determination based on assigned worksites.

Reports To: Director of Licensed Programs

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, includes a ½ unpaid lunch.