Care Manager

The primary responsibilities of a Care Manager at Centene include developing and facilitating complex care management activities for members with mental and behavioral health needs. This role involves comprehensive assessments through both telephonic and in-home visits, creating personalized care plans that address specific challenges, coordinating services with community resources, and continuously monitoring and adjusting care plans as needed. Additionally, Care Managers provide education to members and their families about treatment options and healthcare benefits.

To be eligible for the Care Manager position at Centene, candidates should hold a Master's degree in Behavioral Health or Social Work, or have graduated from an Accredited School of Nursing. Moreover, 2-4 years of related experience is required, and applicants must possess a valid license, such as LCSW, LMSW, LMFT, LMHC, LPC, or RN with behavioral health experience, depending on the state requirements.

While pediatric care experience is preferred for the Care Manager position at Centene, the core requirement is having a strong background in mental and behavioral health management. Having experience in pediatric care could certainly enhance your application, but it's not an absolute requirement. What's essential is your ability to work effectively with members of varying ages and understand their unique needs.

As a Care Manager at Centene, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay, health insurance, a 401K plan, stock purchase options, and tuition reimbursement. We also offer paid time off and holidays, along with a flexible work environment that supports remote, hybrid, field, or office schedules, providing the balance you need in your professional life.

Centene is dedicated to the growth and development of its employees, including Care Managers. The company offers various professional development opportunities, including training programs, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement for further education. Additionally, we encourage team members to provide feedback and suggestions to enhance care delivery, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

When answering this question, highlight your previous experience in care management, particularly in mental and behavioral health settings. Discuss specific cases where you developed care plans, collaborated with healthcare providers, or supported members in achieving their health goals. Providing concrete examples will show your capability and understanding of the role.

In your response, detail your methods for assessment, such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and utilizing standardized evaluation tools. Illustrate how you gather information about the members’ physical, emotional, and social determinants of health to create a comprehensive care plan.

You should explain the importance of regular monitoring and follow-ups. Discuss how you track member progress, adjust care plans based on ongoing evaluations, and incorporate feedback from both members and healthcare providers to enhance care delivery. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare outcomes.

Share specific situations where you successfully connected members with community resources, such as mental health services, social services, or support groups. Detail how these connections positively impacted the members’ care and led to improved health outcomes, which is vital for a Care Manager.

Discuss your techniques for maintaining professionalism and empathy during challenging discussions. Highlight the importance of clear communication, active listening, and validating emotions to build trust and foster a supportive environment for these critical conversations.

Explain how you tailor educational content based on members’ comprehension levels and health literacy. Discuss the various methods you use—such as written materials, verbal explanations, and visual aids—to ensure members and their families understand their care plans and treatment options.

Outline your approach to time management and prioritization of tasks. You might mention using case complexity, urgency, or the specific needs of members to guide your daily activities, as well as how you utilize tools and resources for effective organization.

Provide a specific story or case study where your involvement led to positive changes in a member's health or well-being. Highlight the actions you took, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and feedback from the member or their family to demonstrate your effectiveness in this role.

Discuss your drive to improve the health and lives of individuals facing challenges in mental health. Speak about personal experiences, aspirations to make a difference, or inspiration from professionals in the field that fuels your passion for this role at Centene.

Share the strategies you use to stay informed, such as attending workshops, reading professional journals, participating in webinars, or being active in professional organizations. Emphasizing this will showcase your commitment to continuous professional development and the effective delivery of care.