POSITION:                   Case Manager

REPORTS TO:             ASPPIRE Director

POSITION TYPE:         Full-time of 40 hours per week

START DATE:              February 17, 2025

APPLICATIONS:          Accepted through January 10, 2025

INTERVIEWS:              Will be held in late January - early February, 2025

SUMMARY

A Case Manager plays a key role in supporting individuals with various disabilities by coordinating services, advocating for their needs, and helping them achieve greater independence and improved quality of life. The Case Manager will work closely with clients to assess their needs, develop individualized service plans, connect them with community resources, and provide ongoing support. Under the direction of the ASPPIRE Director, the case manager will provide services to a caseload of between 25 to 35 individuals.

EDUCATION:

(Required) Bachelor’s Degree

(Desired) Master’s Degree majoring in social work or related field

EXPERIENCE:

1-3 years of direct experience, such as social work, teaching, counseling, support service coordinator, or community development with individuals with disabilities. Experience in program management, disability benefits, special needs trust, ABLE Act, and supervision is also desired but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Client Assessment & Planning:

Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' needs, strengths, and limitations.

Develop individualized service or care plans in collaboration with clients, family members, and healthcare providers.

Set short- and long-term goals aimed at improving clients' independence, employment readiness, and social integration.

2. Service Coordination:

Facilitate access to services such as medical care, rehabilitation, housing, vocational training, and social services.

Coordinate with other service providers, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit organizations.

Regularly monitor the progress of clients and adjust care plans as needed.

3. Advocacy & Support:

Advocate for clients’ rights and ensure they receive appropriate services and accommodations.

Assist clients in navigating complex social service systems, ensuring they receive public benefits and support, such as disability benefits and vocational rehabilitation.

Educate clients and their families on available resources and provide emotional and social support.

4. Documentation & Compliance:

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of client interactions, assessments, and progress reports.

Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations, including HIPAA guidelines for client privacy.

Prepare reports for internal use and external agencies as required.

5. Collaboration & Communication:

Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, medical professionals, and counselors.

Communicate regularly with clients, their families, and service providers to ensure continuity of care and support.

Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and training sessions to stay updated on best practices.

6. Crisis Intervention:

Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies, such as housing instability, health crises, or mental health issues.

Develop and implement crisis management plans when necessary.

7. Other duties:

Participate in the implementation of ASPPIRE’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.

Responsible for the enhancement of ASPPIRE’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professionals, employers, civic and private organizations.

Participate in regular staff meetings and other ASPPIRE functions.

Other duties as assigned by the Director.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Empathy and Compassion: Ability to connect with and support clients through challenging situations.

Problem-solving: Ability to think critically and develop creative solutions to help clients overcome barriers.

Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients.

Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases efficiently.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong understanding of disability services, community resources, and relevant legal frameworks.

Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Empathy, patience, and cultural competence in working with diverse populations.

Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and work under pressure.

Ability to work collaboratively with other agencies and community partners.

Demonstrates use of evidence-based practices effective when working with individuals with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER BENEFITS:

Full-time grant funded position, often requiring flexibility to meet client needs, often including evening and/or weekend work.

One year position with possibility of extension.

Travel to clients' homes, medical facilities, and other community locations will be required with the balance of the work done at the ASPPIRE office.

Requires travel for which staff member provides his/her own transportation.

Requires use of a personal cell phone.

Professional development opportunities are encouraged.

SALARY and BENEFITS

Salary range is $45,000-$52,000

Medical, dental and vision provided if needed. $3500 annually in-lieu is provided if insurance is not needed.

Phone stipend of $1300 annually is provided.

120 paid all-purpose hours and 10 paid holidays are provided.

Mileage reimbursement when providing direct participant support is provided at the current state rate.

TO APPLY

Email a copy of your resume, cover letter, and references to Director Maria Peak at mpeak@asppire.org or mail to ASPPIRE of Mid Michigan, c/o Maria Peak at 3815 W. St. Joe, Suite C300, Lansing, MI 48917 by January 10, 2025.