Case Manager - Hennepin County ($1,500 sign-on bonus)

As a Case Manager at ACCORD, your essential responsibilities include developing community support plans tailored to each individual, assisting clients in accessing services, evaluating treatment options, and coordinating and monitoring care. You will have regular one-on-one meetings with individuals to assess their progress and adjust care plans accordingly.

To qualify for the Case Manager position at ACCORD, candidates generally need a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. If you hold a Social Work degree, you're expected to be licensed as required by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Alternatively, candidates with a degree in another field must have at least one year of experience working with individuals with mental illness or disability.

In the role of Case Manager at ACCORD, you can expect to manage a typical caseload of about 40-45 individuals. This allows you to dedicate sufficient time and resources to help improve the quality of life of each person under your care.

As a Case Manager at ACCORD, your primary workspace will be in the St. Paul office, but much of your work will occur in community settings as you meet individuals where they reside. The work environment is supportive and focused on fostering positive outcomes for clients.

ACCORD offers a competitive wage ranging from $45,000-52,000 based on experience, plus a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Benefits include paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, short and long-term disability insurance at no cost, a retirement savings plan, tuition assistance programs, and mileage reimbursement for providing direct services.

When prioritizing tasks as a Case Manager, I focus on assessing the most urgent needs of my clients, ensuring that high-risk situations are addressed first. I make a list of all tasks and deadlines, and I employ time management strategies to ensure regular check-ins and updates on each case while maintaining communication with service providers.

In previous roles, I encountered clients resistant to receiving help. I approached the situation with patience and empathy, taking the time to listen to their concerns. I worked collaboratively to address their fears, offered support, and eventually succeeded in getting them to engage with services, which improved their overall well-being.

I stay updated on changes in laws and regulations by regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in professional development training. Networking with peers also helps me share knowledge about relevant changes to best practices.

Effective communication with clients who have disabilities requires adaptability and understanding. I rely on clear, simple language and non-verbal cues when necessary. I also encourage feedback to ensure they understand and are comfortable with the information being shared.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a care plan, I regularly schedule follow-up meetings with clients to review their progress. I use assessment tools to track their advancements towards goals, and I remain open to modifying the care plan based on ongoing evaluations and client input.

If a client's needs are not being met, I would first gather information about the issue and then communicate directly with the service provider to address the concern. Collaboratively, we can explore alternative options or adjustments to ensure the client receives the appropriate support.

My approach to developing community support plans revolves around active listening and collaboration with the client. I ensure their goals and preferences are prioritized while integrating available resources and support systems to create a comprehensive, achievable plan.

The most rewarding aspect of being a Case Manager is witnessing the positive impact my work has on clients' lives. Seeing them achieve their goals and become more independent inspires me to continue to advocate for their needs and quality of life.

I utilize organizational tools to keep my documentation structure and efficient. By creating a clear filing system and using technology to assist with record-keeping, I ensure timely and accurate completion of paperwork while also allowing time for direct client engagement.

Critical skills for a successful Case Manager at ACCORD include strong communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work independently. Additionally, being organized and having the ability to adapt to various situations is crucial for supporting clients effectively.