Case Manager - Phase Liaison

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for several years.

Job Summary:

The Medicaid in the Schools Specialist is responsible for supporting Medicaid reimbursement programs within the school system. This role ensures compliance with federal and state Medicaid guidelines, supports school staff in documentation and billing procedures, and maximizes eligible reimbursements for school-based services. The Phase Liaison plays a critical role in supporting special education students with emotional disabilities as they transition from specialized settings to general education classrooms. This position provides direct assistance to students, collaborates with general education teachers to ensure a smooth transition, and ensures compliance with Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements. The Phase Liaison also coordinates key logistical components, including IEP meeting participation, transportation arrangements, and communication among all stakeholders.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local Medicaid regulations related to school-based services.
• Maintain accurate records of Medicaid-eligible services provided to students.
  
• Coordinate audits and reviews to verify program compliance and proper documentation.
  
• Stay updated on Medicaid policy changes and communicate updates to relevant school staff.
  
• Assist school staff, including special education personnel, therapists, and nurses, in documenting services accurately for Medicaid reimbursement.
  
• Review and process Medicaid claims to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  
• Work with billing specialists to submit claims and address any denials or discrepancies.
  
• Maintain databases and tracking systems for Medicaid billing and reporting.
  
• Develop and deliver training sessions for school staff on Medicaid documentation, billing procedures, and compliance requirements.
  
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to educators, therapists, and administrative staff regarding Medicaid-related processes.
  
• Serve as a resource for school personnel and parents regarding Medicaid reimbursement in educational settings.
  
• Provide direct support to students transitioning into general education classrooms to promote academic and behavioral success.
  
• Collaborate with general education teachers to implement strategies and accommodations outlined in students’ IEPs.
  
• Monitor students’ progress, providing intervention and guidance as needed to support a successful transition.
  
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for students with emotional disabilities.
  
• Serve as a liaison between special education and general education staff to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
  
• Provide training, resources, and strategies to general education teachers to support students with emotional disabilities.
  
• Work closely with school counselors, special education case managers, and support staff to address student needs.
  
• Assist with IEP compliance by attending meetings, documenting transition progress, and ensuring accommodations are properly implemented.
  
• Support the development and review of transition plans for students moving into general education settings.
  
• Coordinate transportation needs for transitioning students in collaboration with the school district and families.
  
• Maintain clear and ongoing communication with school administrators, special education teams, and families regarding student progress and needs.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, social work, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience working with students with emotional disabilities and knowledge of special education services.
• Familiarity with IEP processes, behavioral intervention strategies, and inclusive education practices.

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to effectively work with students, teachers, and school staff.
  
• Knowledge of special education laws, IEP compliance, and transition planning.
  
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, problem-solve, and adapt to dynamic student needs.
  
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong coordination with school teams.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Office-based setting, often within a school district’s special education department
• Frequent interaction with school administrators, teachers, parents, and special education staff
• May occasionally visit schools to support special education programs or attend meetings
• Fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and tasks requiring organization and multitasking
• Light lifting (up to 25 pounds), such as handling files, office supplies, or educational materials

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $25