Supported Living Services (SLS) Case Manager

Founded in 2007, Thrive Support Services aims to assist adults with developmental disabilities in thriving within their homes and chosen communities. Serving Alameda and Contra Costa County Areas, our consistent growth reflects our commitment to empowering clients to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to Thrive - with trust and respect for the individual and those who care about them.

This SLS Case Manager position will carry a case load, as well as supervise a staff working in the field. This is a salaried exempt position with base salary of $66,560 and carries with it, a benefits program. After completion of a 90-day introductory period the candidate for this position will qualify for medical, an employer paid vision, dental plan, Employee Assistance Program, Costco card, vacation accrual, and sick leave program.

Supervisor: Program Manager, CEO

Hours of Work: Full Time

The SLS Case Manager mission is to ensure quality Individualized Services to all people we serve. The SLS Case Manager will maintain program integrity and coordinate supports for client and staff to ensure successful outcomes.

Qualifications and Requirements:

1) Education and Experience

• BA Degree in human services or general studies with a minimum of 4 years of experience in developmental disabilities or related field; OR MSW with experience or knowledge of developmental disabilities; OR LVN with minimum of 5 years of experience in developmental disabilities; OR RN with related experience or knowledge; OR A reasonable combination of the above education and experience requirements

2) Transportation:

• Valid California driver's license
• Clean driving record (DMV printout is required)
• Current vehicle registration and use of a vehicle in good running condition during work hours
• Valid automobile insurance with the required coverage for that vehicle and all passengers

3) Other:

• The willingness and ability to perform the "Essential functions" required within the company, such as office reception, answering phone, new referral consultation, use of computer for projects; typing, duties with may be necessary to promote client safety, work collaboratively with the clients and others.
• Tuberculosis Clearance Screen
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Pass criminal background check through fingerprint clearance
• The willingness and ability to perform all the essential functions of the job
• The ability to work collaboratively with clients and co‐workers
• An employment record of punctuality, good work attendance and reliability
• Must provide documents required to complete an I‐9 application as proof of eligibility to work in the U.S

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Basic coordination of generic services and natural supports will be performed
• Assist client with essential lifestyle planning, developing and monitoring the client's individualized Support Plan (ISP) with the Program Manager of SLS.
• Help the client's with understanding choices regarding lifestyle and assist them in making informed choices
• Help the client fulfill the short‐term goals of the ISP, keeping the long‐term goals in mind
• Maintain case records according to company procedures
• Document progress in Written Annual Plan, Quarterly Reports, Case Supervision Reports, Home Visit Records and Service Notes
• Ensure all pertinent information is documented in the clients Home Log and the case file
• Develop a list of specific duties needed to provide for the individual needs of each client and lead the team of each client in a collaborative effort to meet those needs and obtain the clients short and long term goals
• Monitor on‐going health, mental/emotional and social status of developmentally disabled adults receiving services
• Provide encouragement and direction to caregivers and natural supports
• Perform routine home visits, assess needs and coordinate and/or perform assistance with community access to doctor's or health appointments, etc.
• Re‐assess care plan regularly and identify changes in needs for on‐going services
• Coordinate and monitor appointments with other agencies, medical and mental health services to be arranged according to the client's needs
• Advocate for clients at appointments, coordinating follow‐up measures as indicated
• Advocate for the client and provide support during Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and activities in the community
• Network in the community to facilitate the development of natural supports for the clients
• Initiate and co‐facilitate Circle of Support gatherings to assist the client in maintaining an effective Circle of Support. Assist the client in following‐up with Circle of Support members to maintain mutually beneficial and long lasting relationships.

• Assisting with the New Hire Process:
• Assist with interview for potential new staff when the team is in need
  • Conduct Initial Training for all incoming staff that will serve their clients
  • Introduce new staff to client and team
• Provide supervision to the Personal Attendants (PA) working in each client's home
• Perform as a leader to the clients, PA, TL, staff, providing encouragement, direction and training
• Routinely review the Home Log to ensure proper documentation.
• Follow‐up on problem issues indicated by the home log documentation
• Inform the Director of SLS of increased staffing needs and participate in the recruitment, prescreening and interviewing of potential new staff
• Enforce and abide by all agency policies and procedures as indicated in the Employee Handbook, Memorandums issued by company managers and Employee Manual
• Monitor job safety and supervise PA staff to ensure OSHA requirements are meet

• Provide initial and on‐going training to PA and TL staff regarding the proper techniques and procedures for care of the client in accordance with Consumer Orientation checklist
  • Approve initial training checklists and all updates to checklist
• Provide SLS Title 17 training to consumers
• Conduct education and training sessions to team staff members
• Provide individual training to staff needing additional instruction and/or counsel
• Perform instruction of Advanced Training courses to small groups

1) Emergency Assistance:

• Assist as back up in providing 24‐hour crisis intervention and direct care coverage to the clients as necessary
• Schedule PA staffing and/or perform direct care and protective supervision
• Implement the client's individualized Emergency Assistance Plan (E.A.P.) The E.A.P. is monitored on a quarterly basis and modifications are made when necessary and under the direction of the Director of Supported Living Services.

2) Required Reporting:

• Perform all reporting requirements, such as special Incident Reporting and Suspected Abuse Reports
• Report suspected abuse with 24 hours to the appropriate agencies and THRIVE management
• Immediately report to supervisors and/or the responsible person for the client about any decline in the client's physical or mental health, any medication refusal, alcohol or illegal drug abuse
• Report employee accidents immediately fill out accident report for Worker's Compensation Employee Claim form so the employee can get medical assistance.
• Direct employees to our PEO
• Maintain client confidentiality and the confidentiality of inter‐agency related information
• Complete the THRIVE training curriculum and any other required training.
• Attend training and development workshops as available.
• Other duties as assigned

While achieving the above job results, the following objectives must always be met:

Maintains THRIVE Support Services, Inc. stability and reputation by: Complying with all applicable state and federal regulations and applying a professional and diplomatic behavior at all times. Following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes; performing other job related duties as Assigned Contributes to THRIVE Support Services, Inc. team effort by: Practicing strong interpersonal communication skills; accomplishing related results as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of State and Federal laws that affect Adult Protection, Developmentally Disabled and Vulnerable Adults
• General knowledge of mental health issues
• Knowledge of the principals, methods and techniques of social work
• Knowledge of employee supervision and management principles
• Knowledge of adult education and training principles
• Knowledge of personal health‐care practices and principles
• Knowledge of the principles of home management
• Knowledge of the elements of nutrition and meal planning
• Knowledge of first aid skills including CPR and home safety
• Knowledge of the aging process, developmental disabilities and accompanying behavior changes
• Knowledge of the emotional problems accompanying illness
• Skill in record keeping and skill in oral communications
• Skill in using appropriate lifting and transfer methods with clients
• Ability to interview people to obtain accurate information
• Ability to mediate between people in conflict; knowledge of systems theory, community services; skills in interpersonal relations; knowledge of the dynamics of individual and group behavior; knowledge of human growth and development; knowledge of social and economic problems
• Ability to analyze complex situations, negotiate for case planning and evaluate for potential improvement
• Ability to present complicated case information clearly and concisely
• Ability to organize work effectively
• Ability to maintain good communications with clients, co‐workers and community organizations
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and to remain calm and objective

Tools and Equipment Used:

Computer, car, recording equipment, phone, copier, fax, pager, cellular phone, Hoyer lift, walkers, wheelchairs, gait belt, adaptive equipment and general household machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk and hear. Employee must be able to read and write. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands and arms to operate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee will reach with arms and hands. Occasionally the employee is required to climb, bend, stoop and/or crawl. The employee will occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distant, color distinction, night vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to safely drive and operate a passenger vehicle.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is a combination of both the office and the client's homes. When out of the office, the employee may be subject to adverse weather such as hot and wet and/or humid in the summers and cold and wet in the other seasons. The noise level can range from moderately quiet in the office to loud and noisy in the field. The employee occasionally may be exposed to contagious diseases and parasites and/or potentially violent individuals or domestic animals.

General Statement:

Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check. Job related tests may be required of any applicant. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Applicants must be able to pass a DOJ/FBI fingerprint screening.