Job Scope: This position is responsible for providing case management services to enhance discharge coordination for people leaving inpatient treatment facilities and/or the criminal justice system who require linkages to home and community-based services and social supports. These services and organizations may include case management, housing, employment, food assistance, transportation, medical and behavioral health services, faith-based organizations, and sober/transitional living facilities.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Engages clients where they receive services including hospital emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and crisis stabilization units and at clients' residency.
• Contacts new enrollees by phone or in person within 24 hours to ensure continuity.
• Ensures that referred individuals are linked with treatment services, attend treatment services as prescribed, and are linked with other health and human services as indicated in each enrollee's treatment plan. 
• Maintains and submits quarterly amnesty reports and data outcomes.
• Links individuals with recovery support services including AA, NA, and other peer support programs and other community-based self-help programs.
• Acts as a case manager to assist participants in accessing other needed services and treatment such as physical/mental/dental healthcare, other support services, food, and clothing.
• Develops strong supportive working relationships with the target population by showing respect, identifying their strengths and providing positive reinforcement for appropriate choices, beginning with initial contact.
• Promotes self-sufficiency and healthy outcomes through encouragement and motivation, reinforcement of health care regimen, anticipatory guidance and supporting home safety, through home visiting and appropriate referral to community services.
• Monitors the client's progress face to face on a weekly basis, preferably in the client's natural environment.
• Writes service activity notes to document progress and/or lack of progress on client goals and objectives.
• Ensures the medical record is up to date, accurate, and meets all documentation requirements in accordance with CARF, Medicaid, DCF, LSF and SMA standards.
• Maintains a complete roster of community services, and develops professional relationships within the mental health system, substance abuse treatment system, and with community resources.
• Provides limited crisis intervention under appropriate supervision.
• Participates in staff development and is responsible for knowledge concerning current information in the area of mental illness and substance abuse and treatment and related behavioral problems specific to the age and population served.
• Coordinates transportation for clients and may at times transport clients in a SMA vehicle in order to execute linkages identified on the service plan.
• Maintains an awareness of proper safety procedures and guidelines and applies these in performing daily activities and tasks.
• Maintains established caseload and productivity requirements of the position.

Minimum Education and/or Experience:  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college with a major in a human services field.  Suitable work experience can substitute if Bachelor's Degree is in an unrelated field.  Two years of experience working with adults with substance use issues preferred.  Prior Case Management experience preferred, or experience having successfully navigated the substance abuse system while demonstrating an ability to maintain stability. 

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities: 

• Skill in time and organizational management; ability to complete work under strict time lines, while maintaining flexibility to assist with client issues/concerns.
• Ability to quickly assess situations and use sound judgment in defusing potentially risky situations; ability to identify services needed by clients during the rehabilitation process.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions and complete tasks as instructed.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and with authority to clients and develop a supportive and trusting relationship with client.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, medical and clinical professionals, the educational systems, court systems, and the general public.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of mental illness/substance abuse, especially as it relates to the service management population; some knowledge of CARF standards.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, acceptable driving record, and proof of personal automobile insurance if required to drive an SMA vehicle and/or use a personal vehicle for SMA business. Complete State of Florida mandatory background screening prior to start of employment.  Complete SMA required training during the first six (6) months of employment and updated if required.

Physical: Mobility and ability to bend and reach during an 8-hour day. Able to lift minimum 10 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to evaluate, intervene, treat, and record client health care needs. Fine motor skills for legible and accurate charting, daily correspondence and presentation, either manually or orally. Work endurance ability to work 8-hour shifts with a meal break, as possible. Routine 8-hour shifts. Hours and days off may vary. Extra hours may be required. Work assignment locations may vary.

Application:This class specification is intended to identify the class and illustrate the kinds of duties that may be assigned to its incumbents.  It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties whose performance may ever be required of such an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.