Enhanced Care Manager

Role:  Enhanced Care Manager

Reports to: Assistant Director, Interim Housing

Program: 1102 - Health and Wellness

Department: Health and Wellness

Location: Turning Point - 1447 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Setting: Not 100% Onsite

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management 

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 1

SUMMARY:

The People Concern has partnered with community and hospital partners to provide on-site medical management and healthcare coordination for homeless individuals with medical conditions. The Health and Wellness department serves as a resource to homeless individuals with medical conditions by providing on-site medical management and health education, and serve as liaisons to community and hospital partners. The Medical Case Manager works alongside the RN Care Coordinator with with an interdisciplinary team from local healthcare clinics, social service partners, and referring entities to achieve positive health outcomes for program participants.

The Enhanced Care Manager operates from an interim housing location in SPA 4, supporting both residents and individuals living on the streets by connecting them to appropriate primary care and additional medical resources, thereby reducing the overutilization of emergency rooms and inpatient services. This position works as part of the agency's multi-disciplinary care team to assist in coordinating care as participants transition from living on the streets, in our interim housing facilities, and in permanent supportive housing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the Director of Health and Wellness, the Medical Case Manager’s responsibilities are to:

• Utilize a harm reduction model to provide health services to homeless individuals with acute and chronic medical conditions in various settings.
• Provide medical screenings, assessments, insurance and benefits verification for referrals to the agency to ensure that the appropriate level of care can be provided.
• Coordinate with primary care providers' medical teams to ensure clients' medical needs are met.
• Work directly and in collaboration with the RN Care Coordinator to provide whole-person care and coordinate medical services.
• Coordinate and plan clients' medical appointments to ensure their understanding, advocate for their needs and arrange transportation as necessary.
• Provide health education to clients by facilitating groups or health workshops.
• Promote client independence by establishing SMART goals, teaching clients to understand how to utilize their insurance and supporting self-care skills.
• Assist in resolving client care issues and needs by utilizing multidisciplinary team strategies.
• Document actions, irregularities, and continuing needs in a timely manner and within program guidelines.
• Maintain strict privacy practices in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Work directly with and provide education on harm reduction and trauma-informed care while working with vulnerable populations for nursing students completing clinical rotations at The People Concern.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Maintain a cooperative relationship among care teams by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport, and participating in team problem-solving methods.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Driving is an essential function of the position. Valid Driver’s license, reliable car, auto insurance that meets state requirements, and an acceptable driving record. 
• 2 or more years’ work experience in a social services organization required
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent charting/documentation skills
• Ability to work well with culturally diverse clientele, including LGBTQ individuals and those living with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
• Passion for and commitment to working with underserved and indigent populations.
• Ability to self-motivate, multi-task, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in non-violent crisis intervention, Harm Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care.
• Skilled in Microsoft applications (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Word)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in case management preferred
• CNA/MA background, experience coordinating medical care or experience in a healthcare environment preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, especially in Spanish.
• In-depth knowledge of community health resources and social services in Los Angeles County.

Work Environment:

• Office environment with occasional field activities.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend and occasionally lift or carry up to 35 pounds.
• May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor.
• May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day.
• Will necessitate working in busy and at times loud environments.