Case Manager - Employment Specialist

Pact Case Manager – Vocational Specialist – Non-ExemptLifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.The PACT Vocational Specialist position works under the supervision of the Program Supervisor/Team lead. This position provides community-based behavioral health services to agency patients. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to mental health and substance use treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services.Work with patients to meet the identified activities and goals of the individual service plan that is strength-based and meets their unique needs.Work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.Provide community-based case management services to patients assigned to them in accordance with the individual service plan and evaluation recommendations. Services are provided in a stage-based treatment model that is non-confrontational, considers interactions of mental health and substance use, and has patient-determined goals.Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, side-by-side services, skill training, supervision (e.g., prompts, assignments, monitoring, encouragement), and environmental adaptations to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).Assist patients to find and maintain a safe and affordable place to live — apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiations, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens).Assist and support patients to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.Provide education and assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation.Assist and support patients to perform household activities, including house cleaning and laundry.Ensure that patients have adequate financial support (e.g., help to gain employment or apply for entitlements).Teach money-management skills (e.g., budgeting and bill paying) and assist patients in accessing financial services (e.g., professional financial counseling, emergency loan sources).Help patients to access reliable transportation (e.g., obtain a driver's license and car, arrange for cabs, access bus line, find rides).Assist and support patients to have and effectively use a personal primary care physician, dentist, and other medical specialists as required.Provide individual supportive therapy (e.g., problem solving, role-playing, modeling, support), social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase patient social and interpersonal activities in community settings.Plan, structure, and prompt social and leisure-time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.Provide side-by-side support and coaching to help patients socialize (e.g., going with a patient to a basketball game, coaching and supporting a patient before they go to a family reunion).Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities to structure patients' time, increase social experiences, and provide opportunities to practice social skills and receive feedback and support.Maintain complete and up-to-date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.Support and implement agency policies and procedures.Network within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to patients to help meet their needs.Other duties as assigned.For case managers specializing in Vocational Services:Follow the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment, adapted to team-based services within PACT.

These include work-related services to help patients value and understand the implications of, as well as find and maintain, meaningful competitive employment in community-based job sites.Conduct job development activities and coordination with employers.Conduct brief vocational assessments, as well as provide job coaching and follow-along job support.Provide ongoing benefits counseling.Provide work-related supportive services (e.g. assistance with resume development, job application preparation, interview support, grooming and personal hygiene, securing appropriate clothing).Knowledge and skills required by the position:Bachelor's degree in human sciences or related field required. Master's degree preferred.Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential required. Certified or Licensed AAC preferred.At least one year of training and experience in employment services (e.g., job development, job placement, supported employment).

Preference will be given to people who have training and experience in working with individuals with mental illness within the IPS model of supported employment.Must have a strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences; work in market jobs; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for patient rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential.Familiarity with applicable Washington State regulations related to the provision of mental health services (RCW 71.05) and substance use disorder services (WAC 246-341).Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and ability to transport clients in personal vehicle.This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health. This position also requires the incumbent to have a valid driver's license with a good driving record and a private vehicle to fulfill the duties of the position.The incumbent provides community-based case management services to patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral, and psychological problems. Strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the patients.Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, patients, significant others, family members and supports of the patients, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of patient records.Most of the work can be performed while sitting and talking.

The position requires the ability to travel within the community by private vehicle to meet the patient in their own environment. The position requires the ability to assist the patients with daily life skills activities such as cooking, laundry and cleaning.Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the community meeting with patients in their homes or health clinics. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities will be required.Immediate Supervisor: PACT Program Supervisor/Team LeadSalary: $23.98 - 26.36/hr DOE