Case Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• A Bachelors degree and one year of experience in social services in a counseling or case management position.

• A Masters degree may be considered in lieu of experience.

• Must have ability to relate with offenders in a firm, but empathetic fashion.

• Good writing and Interpersonal communication skills.

• Must have experience and demonstrated ability in records management.

• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

• A current, valid Montana driver's license.

• Ability to pass Federal workplace drug and alcohol testing requirements.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working with offenders and/or experience working in a residential treatment facility.

• Two years experience in social services in a counseling or case management position.

• Ability to type 45 words per minute.

• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral programming.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current starting salary for the position is $20.00 although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.

Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.

Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).

Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Overview:

The Case Manager (CM) is directly accountable to the Program Supervisor (PS).

The CM main responsibility is to prepare residents for successful reentry to the community. CMs will provide support and guidance while monitoring all aspects of their participation in the Program. The goal of the CM is to ensure the residents criminogenic risk, needs and responsivity have been addressed through an individual program plan and assist the resident to establish a release plan that is supportive of a crime-free lifestyle.

General Requirements:

• All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:

• Employee Handbook

• Standard Operating Procedures

• Case manager related SOP

Specific Duties:

• Complete the PREA and Suicide Risk screen within the first 24-48 hours of arrival.

• Work towards developing and maintaining rapport with the resident from initial contact.

• Provide residents with a complete orientation to their assigned program.

• Assess risk and criminogenic needs early, to form the basis of the residents individualized program plan and reassess at appropriate intervals as needed.

• Thoroughly review all resident referral information and ensure all FBOP, CTS, Court, Board and/or DOC imposed conditions are identified during the case planning process.

• Assist residents in addressing their criminogenic needs while holding offenders accountable to program compliance.

• Ensure referral for programs and services are made in a timely manner.

• Meet with each resident as determined by their individual risk and needs.

• Case managers may conduct random room visits to assess living conditions and compliance with house requirements.

• Work with the resident and their team to develop an individualized program plan using the SMART goal planning process.

• Modify/update case plans routinely during individual sessions as progress is made and/or new goals are established.

• Help residents to develop sound budgetary practices. This will include reviewing expense requests and determining the appropriateness of planned expenditures.

• Dedicate the majority of individual sessions addressing resident motivation, criminogenic needs, skill development, and responsivity issues.

• Complete thorough, accurate and timely contact notes of individual sessions and any significant collateral contact information.

• Case managers will make effective use of collateral contacts to assess and verify support system, release planning and overall program compliance.

• Conduct weekly audit of medications with an emphasis on mental health/psychotropic medications.

• Work with residents to ensure they have access to and are addressing their medical, dental and health care needs.

• Assist residents to establish a successful release/reentry plan.

• Complete reports per contractor requirements and submit in a timely manner as directed.

• Participate in quality assurance activities to monitor fidelity and service delivery.

• Maintain all required case management records within the limits of confidentiality and prescribed timelines to ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.

• Attend and participate in meetings as assigned.

Additional Duties:

• Strategically use available cognitive behavioral resources and tools

• Deliver correctional interventions that are evidence-based and adhere to the risk, need, responsivity model and are skill-based.

• Case managers will identify a minimum of 3 criminogenic needs for moderate to high-risk residents that will be included as part of their IPP.

• Reinforce and assist residents in practicing new prosocial skills and will utilize incentives to encourage resident progress.

• Individual sessions will be delivered in a consistent manner to promote structure, consistency, and expectations from both the resident and the case manager.

• Utilize a variety of strategies to reinforce and reward positive behavior and strive to maintain a 4:1 ratio of positive to negative reinforcement.

• Will use appropriate case management response when responding to resident behavioral issues.

• Utilizing Social Learning theory to model appropriate pro-social behavior that includes but is not limited to:

• Presenting a neat, clean, well-groomed, and professional appearance

• Refraining from the use of loud, profane, demeaning, or abusive language.

• Avoid power and control interactions.

• Case managers will assess resident responsivity issues/barriers, that may interfere with a residents ability to continue the behavior change process upon release.

• Complete 40 hours of cognitive behavioral programming each year

• Participate in case management specific training and practice sessions designed to develop and improve proficiency in key correctional practices and skills.

Other:

• The Case Manager is responsible for informing his/her supervisor of significant developments related to Alternatives, Inc. Such issues are to be reported expediently, based on his/her assessment of the importance of the issue. Examples include:

• Any resident involvement in the legal system or in violation of program rules and regulations.

• Threats of legal action.

• Public Relations problems.

• Resident complaints.

• Fraternization issues.

• Medical incidents/accidents.

• Repair requirements on vehicles or facility.

• Schedule changes, leave requests, reporting in sick, and any unauthorized departures from the office.

• Any suspected or confirmed violation of agency rules by clients.

• The Case Manager is expected to report to his/her supervisor in an expedient fashion all areas of noncompliance with program procedures, along with suggested remedial plans or interventions.

• The Case Manager is expected to be flexible in assuming new duties and schedule changes. He/she is to be creative in establishing or modifying program operation procedures and obtaining approval of the appropriate authority before implementation.

• Assume all other duties as assigned.