Case Manager - Compass in Bennington, Vermont at United Counseling Service of Bennington County Inc

The Compass Case Manager provides community-based, family-focused case management services for high-risk youth who are at risk of out-of-home placement. Under the guidance of the Clinical Manager - Specialty Services, this role supports UCS's mission by empowering families and facilitating access to essential resources while persistently engaging clients where they are, helping them navigate their unique challenges and live healthier, more meaningful lives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination of Services:

• Collaborate with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), educational institutions, and places of employment to ensure holistic support for youth.
• Assist in connecting youth to primary care providers and other necessary medical services as needed.
• Assess the needs of the family system and refer them to additional services when appropriate, fostering a comprehensive support network.
• Help youth access additional resources such as mental health services, community programs, and recreational opportunities to enhance their well-being.

Direct Service:

• Provide intensive case management and crisis intervention services, averaging three to five hours per week for each youth, depending on client intensity.
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans, working collaboratively with clients and families to develop skills needed to maintain family unity.
• Meet clients where they are, demonstrating persistence in building rapport and trust, even when clients may be resistant to engagement.
• Actively manage crises, responding to clients facing legal troubles or risk of removal from the home.
• Track specific metrics and data regarding clients, compiling reports for stakeholders in Excel format.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of division-specific summer camps and services, such as the annual Camp Be A Kid program, serving as program staff.
• Attend school meetings, family safety planning meetings, Child Protective Services (CPS) meetings, and other relevant meetings to advocate for client needs and ensure coordinated care.
• Provide ongoing monitoring, assessment, and advocacy to ensure that clients are progressing in their treatment plans.

Networking:

• Communicate relevant information to other staff members, families, guardians, and DCF to facilitate coordinated care and support. Serve as an advocate and liaison for clients, programs, and the agency, collaborating with other community organizations and resources to best meet client needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

Supervision and Training:

• Facilitate treatment team meetings to promote effective communication among team members, developing goals based on the identified needs of clients and families.
• Oversee the implementation of individual treatment plans, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in alignment with client goals.
• Maintain open lines of communication with interagency professionals, parents, and guardians to ensure the effectiveness of services.
• Attend workshops, conventions, and meetings as agreed upon with the supervisor to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.

Administrative Duties:

• Meet weekly with the supervisor to discuss case progress and receive guidance.
• Submit monthly and quarterly program reports to track progress and outcomes.
• Meet monthly with the local DCF Director to discuss cases and caseload management.
• Follow UCS recordkeeping requirements for all cases, ensuring compliance with documentation standards.
• Update treatment plans every six months to reflect client progress and changing needs.
• Complete timesheets and other required paperwork in a timely manner, ensuring that all documentation adheres to Medicaid standards and agency policies.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or leadership team to support the overall mission and goals of UCS.
• Stay informed about community resources and best practices in case management to continually improve service delivery.

SECTION B: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of community resources, social service systems, and evidence-based case management practices for high-risk youth and families.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention principles, risk assessment, and safety planning.
• Knowledge of cultural competency principles and practices for effectively serving individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of child welfare systems, including the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and related community service networks.
• Knowledge of documentation standards, electronic case management systems, and confidentiality requirements.

Skills

• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills to assess risk and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey information to clients, families, providers, and community partners.
• Relationship-building and interpersonal skills to establish trust and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Client advocacy skills to effectively represent client needs and coordinate services within DCF and other community partners.
• Proficiency in electronic health records, case management software, and other technology used to document services and monitor client progress.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate information, monitor client outcomes, and develop informed service recommendations.
• Team collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners in coordinating care.

Abilities

• Ability to assess client needs, identify risks, and develop appropriate service and safety plans.
• Ability to build rapport and maintain productive working relationships with clients, families, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and lived-experience backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize multiple cases, manage competing demands, and meet documentation and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to make sound, ethical decisions in high-pressure or emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to adapt to changing client needs, organizational priorities, and regulatory requirements while maintaining quality service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPUTER SKILLS (1):

Proficiency is required in a Windows Operating System to include competency in Microsoft Office programs Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to enter information into an electronic medical record system (EMRs).

LANGUAGE SKILLS (2):

Ability to respond to common inquiries, write clinical documentation, and present information effectively.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS (3):

Ability to perform basic mathematical concepts and apply techniques such as probability and statistical inference.

REASONING ABILITY (4):

Ability to interpret instructions, solve practical problems and draw valid conclusions with minimal guidance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE (5):

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or other human services field.

Experience working with children/youth and families with a clinical focus.

Demonstrate an understanding of trauma-informed care.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSE/REGISTRATION (6)

Valid driver's license required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 work environment includes office settings and potential exposure to airborne or bloodborne pathogens.
• Collaborative work with other case managers, agency staff, and community partners to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• May require visits to client homes to provide direct case management services and support families in their natural environments.
• Involves engagement in various community settings, such as schools and local organizations, to facilitate access to resources and services.