Substance Use Case Manager position

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: As part of an interdisciplinary team within a community health center this position is responsible for providing case management services for patients with substance use disorder. The Substance Use Disorder Case Manager (SUDCM) serves as the entry point for patients identified for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services. As part of an integrated substance use disorder care team, the SUDCM will provide medical case management for SUD patients and address health-related social needs that arise, ensuring timely linkage to community partner organizations, and may assist patients with completing and/or obtaining necessary paperwork (e.g. screening tools, evaluation reports) from community partners. The SUDCM serves as the primary point-of-contact for patients receiving SUD services, providing in-person visits in collaboration with medication assisted treatment/medication for opioid use disorder (MAT/MOUD) visits as well as frequent follow-ups with patients in-between MAT visits to ensure adherence to treatment. The employee is responsible for monitoring no-shows for MAT appointments and contacting patients who have missed an appointment to identify barriers to care and re-engage them in care. The SUDCM may assist in the completion of prior authorizations for prescriptions needed for MAT and collaborate with primary care and pharmacy teams to address financial barriers to obtaining medications for MAT. The SUDCM is responsible for collaborating with primary care teams in the screening, brief intervention and referral to care of medical patients with risky substance use behaviors and provides referrals and resources for services not offered by Neighborhood Health. The SUDCM will assist in training patients and families in the use of Narcan and work with medical providers to ensure that Narcan is provided to all patients with opioid use disorder. The SUDCM will collaborate with the QA/QI team to ensure progress on quality measures and program goals. This individual is responsible for facilitating strong interdisciplinary communication and collaboration within the clinic and among community partners already engaged with the Neighborhood Health patient population and demonstrates a thorough grasp and sincere dedication to the philosophy and mission of Neighborhood Health.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Functions: Duties and responsibilities noted with bullets are considered to be the essential functions of the job) 

• Provides targeted case management for Neighborhood Health patients receiving SUD services including MAT/MOUD, SUD counseling and peer support services
• Conducts regular check-in visits with patients for relapse prevention and adherence to recovery goals and is available for walk-in/same day appointments/warm hand offs 
• Participates in SBIRT, providing brief interventions and referrals to treatment for primary care patients screening positive for risky substance use behavior
• Monitors and provides active follow up on referrals to community partners, ensuring timely linkage to care
• Provides support in the completion of written forms required by systems of care to obtain services (e.g. screening forms, intake forms, applications for services) and ensures receipt of documentation by partner agencies
• Monitors no-shows for MAT/MOUD appointments and conducts outreach to identify barriers to care and re-engage patients for services 
• Assists in training patients and families in the use of Narcan and documents distribution of Narcan to all patients with OUD and/or their families
• Assists in obtaining prior authorizations for medications used to treat SUDs and collaborates with primary care and pharmacy to address financial barriers to obtaining needed SUD medications
• Establishes and/or maintains communication with other individuals involved in patient care 
• Responsible for following Neighborhood Health policies and procedures including HIPPA, facility operations, OSHA as pertains to the environment of care
• Maintains a clean, safe, and compliant work environment according to all federal, state and local laws and regulations including OSHA, HIPAA and Joint Commission
• Provides administrative support for behavioral therapists including obtaining prior treatment records and ancillary documentation (e.g. IEP)

• Documents all services in the electronic medical record, in accordance with organization’s standards
• Responds to all communication, both internal and external, in a timely manner

• Attends and participates in Department and organization meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information regarding team members, clients, work practices, etc. 
• May participate in agency workgroups and/or teams 
• Attends and participates in on-going training, learning and growth opportunities 
• Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Prepare and maintain special internal and external reports as requested by Supervisor and/or Department Head.
• Assist with developing, coordinating and recommending changes for the improvement of workflow in the program or section area.  
• May be assigned to various project lead roles to advance the development of the department and support ad hoc needs.
• Able to work under minimal supervision.
• Employee will be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances.

QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Knowledge and experience with substance use disorder case management 
• Experience with information technology, electronic health records, behavioral health records 
• Associates degree plus 3 years experience or; Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years relevant experience or; Master’s degree, in Social Work, Nursing, Public Health or relevant field
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish required
• 2-3 years direct experience working in a health care or community-based social service setting 
• Experience within primary care environment, preferably with Federally Qualified Health Center (preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse work force and patient population
• Proficient with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality with all aspects of information in accordance with practice, State and Federal regulations
• Must be comfortable working with culturally diverse populations
• Demonstrate superior critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of local health care environment and basic terminology