What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Case Manager position at Sierra Meadows & Ascend Behavioral Health?
Description
Ascend Behavioral Health is seeking an experienced and passionate Academic Case Manager to join our growing team. This role is critical in supporting adolescents who are facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders (SUD), academic difficulties, and high-risk environmental exposures. The Academic Case Manager works directly with patients, their families, educational institutions, and community resources to create a structured path toward recovery and academic achievement. Learn more at Ascend Behavioral Health
As part of an interdisciplinary team, the Academic Case Manager plays a key role in providing individual counseling, group facilitation, family engagement, and comprehensive case management. The focus is not only on the client’s mental health and recovery but also on the development of realistic academic goals that complement and reinforce their therapeutic progress.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality case management and behavioral health services to a caseload of 10–12 adolescent clients.
- Conduct individual, group, and family sessions weekly, addressing mental health, academic, and SUD recovery needs.
- Collaborate with school officials (counselors, psychologists, teachers) and family members to create and monitor individualized academic and mental health goals.
- Assess patient needs and develop supportive academic and recovery plans aligned with clinical treatment plans.
- Facilitate community partnerships by identifying relevant speakers, resources, and external support systems.
- Document interventions, treatment progress, and case management activities accurately in Electronic Health Records (EHR).
- Assist with discharge planning in coordination with therapists and discharge planners.
- Ensure compliance with all state, federal, insurance, and professional ethical standards, including mandated reporting laws.
- Attend regular staff meetings, trainings, and program development activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field required.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in mental health, advocacy, intervention, or youth services.
- Experience working with co-occurring substance use disorders strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong documentation and case management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Conflict resolution, decision-making, and people management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid Driver’s License required.
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred
- RADT or SUD Counselor Certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Negative TB test (within past year) and medical clearance to work.
- Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
- Ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs as needed.
Salary : $20 - $23
