Counselor (Case Manager)

Position Description

We are hiring for multiple positions, reviewing applications weekly and setting up interviews as-needed.

We have openings at work sites in both South King County and Seattle. Locations: Seattle Municipal Tower, and the South King County Renton Office. Candidates may be assigned to either site, based on candidate desire, or organizational need, and may be rotated on an as-needed basis. Work may be performed in various locations depending on urgency and need. This position would be a combination of office work, field work, and working from home, with a minimum of two days per week either in the field or office.

We are seeking advocates of racial equity and social justice, who value a relational work culture. If you are passionate about helping individuals in need, and advocating for resources so they can live their best lives, then, this may be a great opportunity for your next step in your career!

Care Coordinators (Case Managers) are critical positions of our organization, working directly with individual clients to conduct electronic comprehensive client in-person assessments, complete follow-up site visits, and develop individual service plans designed to improve the quality of life for all clients served - older adults and adults with disabilities. (Note: Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is a case management program, and does not provide direct mental health or other medical counseling.)

The ideal candidate for this position will perform/possess the following:

• Perform racial equity and social justice advocacy, addressing systemic inequities that impact the clients and communities ADS serves.
• Possess non-judgmental attitude and active listening and critical thinking are essential.
• Value a relational work culture and individual differences. Respond with cultural sensitivity when serving clients, and work to build relationships to best serve, regardless of cultural background, age, gender, literacy skills level or disability.
• Passionate about helping individuals in need, advocating for resources so they can live their best lives and thrive.
• Enthusiastic lifelong learner who continuously strives to grow and develop. Whether attending training, receiving constructive feedback, or when differences in opinion occur, you embrace these experiences as learning opportunities and strive to develop your own professional competence
• When faced with multiple competing demands, you possess the ability to triage and prioritize clients' needs and competing work assignments so they are addressed in a timely manner.
• You are adaptive to change and skilled at crisis intervention, managing conflict, and problem-solving.
• When faced with challenging work, you possess the skill and ability to practice self-care to promote and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure optimal health and well-being.

To find out more about the Human Services Department (HSD) of the City of Seattle: CLICK HERE

To find out more about the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Division within the Human Services Department: CLICK HERE

Bilingual candidates (Punjabi, Russian/Ukraine, Somali, Bosnian, Spanish, or Ukrainian preferred) are encouraged to apply, and there is a language premium pay offered for individuals who can demonstrate fluency in the aforementioned second languages. An assessment will be administered to determine level of competency.
Job Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments in client's home; gather and review medical information to include but not limited to: diagnoses, medical conditions, medications, treatment(s), psych/social information, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Work with clients who are experiencing chronic, complex medical, and/or behavioral health issues.
• Manage approximately 80-100 client caseload; develop care plans and document client activities, contacts, and ensure accuracy of client record. Monitor cases on a continuous basis and work with interpreters as needed. Current hiring efforts are aimed at collaborating to reduce caseloads.
• Review financial eligibility, evaluate client assessment data with healthcare professionals, mental health providers, nursing staff, and others. Include professional staff in the development of the plan of care and modifying the plan as needed.
• Connect clients and caregivers to needed services, e.g., substance use treatment, mental health, and medical care.
• Assist with and/or arrange equipment or transportation.
• Advocate with agencies or persons to help clients receive appropriate benefits or services.
• Assist clients with recruiting, contracting, and termination of their individual personal providers and/or home care agency. Monitor individual provider and home care agency provider performance.
• Authorize and adjust payment for client-approved Medicaid-funded services or terminate in the State of Washington electronic records such as Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evaluation (CARE), ProviderOne, and Individual ProviderOne.
• Assist clients enrolled in the DSHS New Freedom program with their budgets, spending plans, and payment authorizations with use of the web portal.
• Assist with placements in nursing, assisted living, and adult family homes, etc., assessments and/or termination planning. Close case management services when indicated.
• Provide witness testimony during client and independent provider client appeal process.
• Maintain work standards to ensure compliance with DSHS Quality Assurance and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) expectations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Psychology, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education, experience, training and/or work experience required). Note: If using an equivalency to meet the education requirement, job offer is contingent on waiver approval from DSHS Aging and Long-Term Care Administration (ALTSA).
• Experience: Three years' social services experience involving interviewing, counseling, or crisis intervention.
• Certification/License: Driver's license for the ability to make on-site visits to clients and attend meetings and trainings.
• Special Requirements: Selected candidates are required to pass a background check, medical clearance, and meet state guidelines for education (Bachelor's or equivalency with waiver).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience conducting comprehensive medical/psychosocial assessments and monitoring service delivery in a social service, health, and/or government agency.
• Experience serving elder adults or adults with disabilities with high risk factors, e.g., multiple physical and/or mental health problems, long-term care needs, and/or drug/alcohol problems.
• Experience developing and implementing confidential individualized service plans.
• Application of Motivational Interviewing and behavior change strategies.
• Experience using DSHS databases and tools, e.g., CARE, ProviderOne, ACES, PPL, and Barcode.
• Experience with Office Suite products, e.g., Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.
• Strong understanding of race and social justice issues that lead to health inequities.
• Second language fluency in Spanish, Russian/Ukraine, Bosnian, Somali, and/or Punjabi, with the ability to effectively communicate orally AND in writing in English and second language.
• Ability to work effectively within diverse workgroups and populations with proven ability to collaborate with community based and governmental agencies.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Hiring Process
Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
Completed NEOGOV online application.Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education. Supplemental questionnaire responses
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including potential background check, pre-placement physical exam, and full driver's abstract.

The full salary range for this position is $ 33.78 - $ 39.28 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and covered family-members/most employees-plans

This job/class description, describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: Continuous