Overview:

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Responsibilities:

Clinical Responsibilities:

Coordinates and provides services related to the “Stepping Up” program (Examples of tasks: works closely with the Alabama State “Stepping Up” Coordinator, the Technical Assistance Team and local community partners to implement processes and procedures to reduce the recidivism and unnecessary re-entry of people with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders into local county jails and hospitals)

Conducts case management services for participants in the “Stepping Up” program (Examples of tasks: complete case management needs assessments and develop a case management plan; implement plan by providing case management services in conjunction with county jails and area hospital staff; advocate client’s needs with community providers; link clients with community services; monitor client progress)

Represents the needs of the persons admitted into the “Stepping Up” program and insures quality services are provided (Examples of tasks: participates in and conducts “Stepping Up” – related trainings; complete work in accordance with AltaPointe and “Stepping Up” standards; participates in meetings of the Stepping Up Alliance Task Force)

Completes needs assessment. (Example of tasks: using required case management forms, determines through assessment client's assets, deficits and basic needs; reviews needs on regular basis)

Develops case management service plan. (Examples of tasks: consult with referral source; assist with developing client goals which may include personal grooming, skills teaching, medication knowledge, and financial resource assistance, etc.)

Implements case management plan by providing case management services. (Examples of tasks: monitor client condition; make home visits; assist client in securing needed services)

Represents the needs of persons with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder issues. (Examples of tasks: establish liaison with other community resources; identify service gaps; advocate for client; provide transportation as needed and when appropriate)

Participates in insuring quality of services. (Examples of tasks: participate in all required case management training; complete work in accordance with standards; participate in staff meetings; participate in peer review; participate in task groups/teams.)

  Supervision and Consultation:

Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed

Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement

Actively works to enhance case management skills

  Clinical Record Keeping:

Documents in a timely manner per AltaPointe standards

Documents appropriate, complete, and comprehensive SUN-R assessments

Documents measurable and specific goals in the individualized service plan

Documents in a clear and concise manner, types of consumer problems, ISP goals addressed and services provided

Includes problem, ISP/Treatment plan goal, intervention provided, consumer responses, and plans for continued services in each progress note

Documents case disposition, case closings, and follow-up

  Case Load Management:

Effectively manages caseload based on consumer needs

Meets AltaPointe productivity standards

  Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers:

Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion

Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality

Is pleasant and cooperative with others

Assists consumers and visitors as needed

Personal values do not inhibit ability to relate and care for others

Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differences

Is gentle and calm to consumers and families

  Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned:

Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities

Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner

Complies with AltaPointe policies and procedures

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a mental health discipline and certification of case management training by Alabama State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

Knowledge in adult specialty, outlined below, to be attained within (6) six months of employment:

Knowledge of psychiatric and substance use disorders in the adult population and/or knowledge of addiction as a primary/secondary illness

Knowledge of cultural diversity

Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers, and/or consumers with substance abuse issues as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practice

Knowledge of Psychiatric Rehabilitation principles and Substance abuse treatment principles

Knowledge of available community resources

Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders

Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding appropriate benefit entitlements such as social security, Medicaid, and Medicare