Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Case Manager - OPCS in Springfield, Massachusetts
SUMMARY
The case manager at Open Door Social Services assesses client needs and assists clients in developing and enacting a plan to address those needs. She/he provides a variety of services depending on individual client circumstances and abilities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct intake and assessment interviews including assessment of clients’ housing, income, medical, mental health and substance abuse needs.
Orient clients to program services, explains confidentiality guidelines, and obtains necessary information releases.
Identify barriers which prevent individuals from achieving desired goals.
Identify potential eligibility for employment or entitlement benefits and develops a plan with clients to help them generate income for self-support.
Assist clients in completing forms to secure benefits and/or housing.
Help clients prioritize and identify necessary steps to take and appropriate referral supports to enable them to meet their health/income/housing etc. needs.
Refer clients to shelters, programs, housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and other service providers as needed.
Teach coping skills.
Advocate on behalf of clients as needed, if appropriate.
Work toward developing a positive and trusting relationship between client and caseworker.
Complete all agency forms and reports as required.
Maintain comprehensive case records.
Log all client interactions in E-Clinical database.
Assist client with transportation needs through referral, or by providing bus tokens when appropriate.
Provide crisis intervention and referral to emergency services as needed.
Offer supportive counseling as needed.
Participate in staff meetings, clinical supervision, and interagency meetings.
Develop a network of professional and support services for client referrals.
Follow procedures/protocols developed by the program.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Previous experience working with culturally diverse populations.
Ability to work with other diverse populations (e.g. mentally ill, chemically dependent).
Must have strong empathy, advocacy, empowerment, teaching and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication.
Must have strong computer skills.
Previous experience with Word and Excel preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
Bi-lingual required.
Ability to drive is preferred with valid driver's license, reliable transportation and meets insurance standards.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
- Directly reports to Open Door Program Director.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
Ability to drive.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The program is on the second floor of a three-story building with no elevator. Parking is available in an outside lot adjacent to the building. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Case Manager will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
35 Hours per week