Case Manager I

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Case Manager I performs routine (journey-level) case management work and will be responsible for a broad range of tasks and responsibilities in the areas of organizing treatment planning and service delivery then documenting it in the electronic record, organizing and coordinating the program’s therapeutic model, the Social Learning Diagnostic System (SLDS), and collecting demographic and historical information then documenting it in the appropriate record or database. Specific case management tasks are the crafting, development, and updating of patient treatment plans, called the Person-Centered Recovery Plan; writing progress notes and documenting team meetings; and tracking program service delivery. Secondary functions include scheduling meetings, making, and receiving phone calls, collecting pertinent information, coordinating patient discharge planning (such as making aftercare appointments), and training floor staff in the management of the SLDS. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Actively participates as a member of the Treatment Team, coordinating and setting schedules, maintaining notes and assignment sheets, and authoring and updating the Person-Centered Treatment Plan. The functions of this task include setting the schedule for the team meetings and emailing it to all team members; maintaining and updating the list of required Treatment Team Meetings; participating in the patient’s Case Conference by taking notes then inputting the information in the Person-Centered Treatment Plan in the electronic record within 10-days of the adolescent’s admission; participating in scheduled or emergency staffing by taking notes then inputting the information in the electronic record, which usually involves editing the Person-Centered Treatment Plan and perhaps authoring a Progress Notes Tx note in the electronic record; reviewing reports and determining the need for scheduling a Restraint-Seclusion Review staffing, then emailing the date and time to all team members; and maintaining and updating a list of actions or service deliverables as determined necessary by team members in any Treatment Team meeting or review.

Actively participates in psychiatric rehabilitation activities, through the Social Learning Support System, to maintain the therapeutic environment. The functions of this task include maintaining and updating the Weekday and Weekend Points Sheets as adjusted through the Treatment Team meetings or reviews; printing off the Weekday or Weekend Points Sheets in advance of the new day(s) and putting them in the out box by the weekly deadline; collecting the Weekday and Weekend Points Sheets each business day and reviewing them for completion before giving them to the unit Clerical Staff for data entry; and acting as a Social Learning Champion on the program by auditing the operation of the Points Sheets during a program day and answering questions or teaching classes to Psychiatric Nursing Assistants and Rehab Technicians about the Social Learning Support System in accordance with the most recent approved version.

Coordinates and assists with non-licensed functions of the Social Work department as delegated by their supervisor. The functions of this task include collecting admission documents from the Admissions Coordinator and inputting these in the electronic record or database; where necessary, act as a scribe and take down standard assessment information by reading the questions to the patient or patient’s Legally Authorized Representative or family member and writing the information into the standard data collection tool or directly input the information in the electronic record or database; calling the patient’s family members or approved guests and setting up a visitation schedule, which includes filling out the required forms and emailing appropriate members of the program staff including the Chief Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner, Program Director, Nurse Manager, Chief Social Worker, and the Security Officer Supervisor; and calling and communicating with patient family members or the Mental Health Authority and providing or obtaining standard factual or demographic information.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

General knowledge of available community resources and the means to access them effectively.

Knowledge of case management delivery systems

Knowledge of program policies and procedures

Skills in developing, implementing, and monitoring service and recovery plans.

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with the other program staff.

Ability to communicate effectively using both oral and written methods of communication.

Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend clinical assessments.

Ability to assess patient’s needs, and to coordinate patient’s services.

Ability to provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six months case management or social services work experience required.

OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience case management or social services work required.

OR

No degree and a minimum of forty-eight months experience in case management or social services work required.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.