Case Manager Behavioral Health
Job Summary
Provides individualized case management services for clients with mental health and substance use needs. This field-based role ensures continuity of care by conducting intake assessments, coordinating resources, and developing service plans that promote independence and reduce hospitalizations. Supports community safety and wellbeing through targeted interventions, crisis support, and collaboration with service providers.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Responds to daytime crisis calls and walk-ins by conducting suicide risk assessments, developing safety plans, arranging emergency detentions, and coordinating psychiatric hospitalizations in accordance with Wis. Admin. Code Chapter 34 Department of Health Services (DHS 34) and applicable regulations.
- Provides follow-up and linkage services for individuals post-crisis, including discharge planning and support in accessing community-based services.
- Develops and updates Crisis Plans consistent with DHS 34 standards to promote client stability and service integration.
- Coordinates with internal clinical teams and external providers to ensure timely access to medical, psychiatric, and support services.
- Facilitates client appointments by providing transportation coordination or accompanying clients when appropriate to support treatment adherence.
- Monitors client functioning and wellbeing, reporting observed concerns to appropriate clinical personnel to inform treatment decisions.
- Provides outreach to individuals in the community experiencing mental health (MH) or Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) concerns to try and engage them in services or to decrease hospitalizations.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and case notes to meet regulatory and program requirements.
- Assists clients with applications for public assistance programs including Disability, Medicaid, Housing Authority, and related benefits.
- Initiates and maintains necessary authorizations and records requests in compliance with privacy laws and departmental procedures.
- Represents the Behavioral Health Program at community events, builds partnerships with local agencies, and educates stakeholders on crisis services.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Clinical Assessment: Applies diagnostic criteria and screening tools to evaluate behavioral health conditions and functional status.
- Care Coordination: Integrates service delivery across medical, housing, and social service domains to meet client needs.
- Crisis Management: Responds to urgent situations using approved protocols, exercising sound judgment and de-escalation strategies.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintains detailed, legally compliant records in alignment with Medicaid, DHS, and County standards.
- Collaboration: Engages effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to support client outcomes.
- Advocacy & Communication: Communicates clearly and compassionately with diverse client populations and support networks.
- Time Management: Prioritizes multiple demands in a dynamic environment, meeting deadlines while maintaining service quality.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related Human Services field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of one (1) year supervised experience with individuals experiencing mental illness or substance use disorders; three (3) years preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Completion of 40-hour DHS 34 Crisis Orientation required within three (3) months of hire.
Preferred Education & Experience
- Additional experience in community-based case management or crisis intervention services.
- Knowledge of public benefit programs and behavioral health systems in Wisconsin.
- Familiarity with electronic health records and functional screening tools.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Work is performed in both office and field settings, including client homes, medical facilities, and community locations. Requires frequent use of computers and mobile devices, as well as verbal communication in person and by phone. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds. May involve exposure to varying weather conditions and limited interaction with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Position requires travel within Door County and availability for on-call rotation, including after-hours response with a maximum 50-minute response time to Door County Medical Center.
Emergency Response Statement
In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Disclaimer
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.