DRUG AND ALCOHOL CASE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST L0686

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the field of drug and alcohol providing a full range of case management services.

Employees in this class are primarily responsible for insuring that clients with drug and alcohol problems have access to services in a continuum of care by identifying, referring and authorizing appropriate services. An important part of this work involves assessing the needs of the client, determining level of care, developing client service plans; and when warranted, facilitating the client's treatment to address their problems relative to alcohol and other drug usage. Employees develop a rapport with the client serving as their advocate, assisting them throughout the provisions in their services plan and monitoring their progress while they are involved in the treatment system.

This person will perform the work in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures; but, is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement while performing the duties as a case manager. Employees will manage a multiple caseload of clients and carry out work under the direction of a supervisory case manager or higher level administrative personnel. Employees are expected to carry out assignments to completion subject to the above supervisory/administrative review.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts intake interviews utilizing appropriate assessment practices to obtain necessary information from clients, families and/or involved collaterals for the identification of service needs for drug and alcohol related problems.

Determines level of care based on placement guidelines.

Determines appropriate funding arrangements and authorizes or recommends services for alcohol and other drug clients.

Orients clients to the program, policy, procedures and treatment process.

Develops and implements a comprehensive service plan based on the results obtained from the assessment process.

Updates the client's service plan as needed.

Coordinates and provides access to available alcohol and other drug and ancillary services, such as housing, child care, medical and financial services.

Conducts client follow-up at required intervals.

Monitors client treatment progress and/or performs utilization review activity.

Prepares written reports and maintains client records.

Serves as an advocate for clients.

Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of social

casework principles and methods.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL CASE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (CONTINUED) L0686

Knowledge of addiction as a disease and its treatment.

Knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and available resources.

Knowledge of the treatment facilities and human services agencies providing services to alcohol and other drug clients.

Knowledge of assessment practices.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with clients from various cultures and social economic backgrounds.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to interpret regulations, policies and procedures and apply them accordingly.

Ability to work with persons who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities or who are economically disadvantaged or involved with the criminal justice system.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare records and reports, set priorities, and maintain a caseload in an effective and timely manner with minimal supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the general public.

Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the client.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Drug and Alcohol Case Management Specialist Trainee;

or

A Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Dependency, Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Nursing or a related field; and one year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in alcohol or other drug treatment setting;

or

A bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by successful completion of 18 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, criminal justice or other related social sciences; and one year direct service experience performing counseling or case management work in alcohol or other drug treatment setting.

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST06