Treating mental health disorders requires a mix of therapies and treatments to address each person’s unique symptoms and causes of the disorder. Case management assesses and develops treatment plans and ensures patients hit their target goals in the most effective way possible. Case management jobs are available in several organizations, including treatment centers, hospitals, community centers, and state and federal agencies.
Behavioral Health Jobs provides job seekers with a dedicated database of jobs in the behavioral health field. Job candidates can search for case management jobs by industry, experience and education level, and certification requirements. Many employers offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, including tuition reimbursement, to attract students and young professionals. Check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today for all of the case management jobs in a city near you.
Understanding Case Management
Treating substance use disorders, depression, and other mental health disorders requires several types of therapies and treatments to address all symptoms effectively. Case managers are responsible for coordinating all treatment plans and monitoring patients’ progress. They act as advocates for the patient and will work with families, outside resources, and other agencies while in a treatment program.
There are four key components of case management:
- Intake – During this step, case managers will meet with each patient to build a relationship and put them at ease, knowing they will be well-cared for. They gather personal information and determine if the organization has the best program to treat them. If not, they help them find the appropriate level of care.
- Needs assessment – This stage dives deeper into the patient’s history to get to the root cause of the disorder and develops a plan to treat their condition. Needs assessments are done at the start of every program and throughout the treatment process.
- Service planning – Case managers create specific goals for each patient and discuss an action plan to help them hit each goal. The goals are specific to their symptoms and allow for a more focused treatment program based on a timeline that works for them.
- Monitoring and evaluation – Case managers will meet with therapists and medical staff regularly to ensure patients reach their goals on time based on their action plan. If patients cannot meet their goals, case managers will reevaluate the program and make any necessary adjustments.
Obtaining Case Management Certification
To become a case manager, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, social work, or a related field. Students can obtain a graduate degree in their chosen field and certifications to manage patient care. Employers are more likely to pay more for employees who have case management certification.
The most common case management certifications include:
- Certified Case Manager (CCM) – The Commission for Case Management Certification is the most recognized and highly-valued certification. Students need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare, a current RN, LCSW, or RX license, or other certifications to be eligible. Plus, 12-24 months of supervised experience as a supervisor or case manager.
- Accredited Case Manager (ACM) – This certification is specifically for case managers in the health care system. Licensed RNs and social workers with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a minimum of one year or 2,080 hours of supervised work can take the exam.
Behavioral Health Jobs: Your Top Resource for Case Management Jobs in the Behavioral Health Industry
Behavioral Health Jobs gives job seekers the best source of jobs in the behavioral health industry. Treatment centers, hospitals, and other organizations are in need of experienced case managers to help manage the growing number of mental health cases in every city across the country.
If you are interested in becoming a case manager, check out all of the available case management jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
