Case manager - best

POSITION SUMMARY

The Case Manager - BEST in Community Support Services provides coordinated care, support, and ongoing interventions to engage participants in community-based living, working in partnership with person served toward individual goal attainment based on developed goals and objectives identified in their treatment plan. The Case Manager – BEST works individually with support of team within the strengths-based model. Reporting to the Team Manager of BEST, this position ensures high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive service delivery consistent with the mission and standards of Astra Mental Health and Recovery, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). The Case Manager promotes service excellence, professional growth, and accountability of daily operations and services in collaboration with Program and Team Managers. This role also supports Astra’s commitment to Access, Comprehensive Care, Excellent Outcomes, and Sustainability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Service Expectations and Responsibilities

• Engage in the daily review of participants in Traditional Case Management into Community Support Services providing individual, family, and group assessment and education to individuals across the lifespan.
• Ensure that individuals seeking services are triaged promptly for risk and acuity and receive timely assignment either in-person or via secure telehealth.
• Meet with BEST Team weekly to coordinate care needs of service participants.
• Monitor service needs, caseload distribution, and scheduling to ensure access, timeliness, and quality within the team-based model and based on participant needs.
• Provide consultation and support to Program and Team Managers and fellow BEST Team Members regarding treatment planning, evidence-based practices, and documentation.
• Engage family and significant others to the extent possible in the planning and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed and back-up coverage.
• Support the implementation of Astra’s trauma-informed and person-centered care framework across all Community Support Services.
• Maintain compliance with CCBHC, KDADS, and Medicaid standards for assessment, treatment, and documentation.
• Assist the Program Manager and Team Managers with data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives to promote clinical and operational excellence.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of operational and service driven workflows and service protocols.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration with case management, access, medical, and crisis services to support continuity of care.

Performance Management

• Participate in regular supervision and annual performance evaluations with Program and Team Managers.
• Provide and receive ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to improve performance and confidence.
• Identify areas for development and create individualized professional growth plans as needed.
• The performance standard for providing person served direct service is 4 hours per 8-hour workday (5 hours per 10-hour workday), staff development and leave will be deducted from available work hours.

Resource and Workflow Management

• Manage caseloads and responsibilities based on staff expertise, licensure, and workload with the shared approach of the BEST Team.
• Support efficient use of staff and physical resources while maintaining service quality.

Decision-Making

• Exercise sound judgment in service coordination and individual care decisions, utilizing support of Program and Team Managers.
• Resolve conflicts promptly and collaboratively within the team.
• Contribute to departmental and programmatic planning and improvement efforts.

Communication

• Facilitate effective communication across the CSS team and with other Astra departments.
• Participate in regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to ensure open communication and accountability.
• Report progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Program Manager – Traditional Services.

Hiring and Training

• Participate and/or support the recruitment and onboarding of new CSS staff.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure adherence to Astra’s policies, procedures, and professional ethical standards.
• Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations, including confidentiality, safety, and risk management protocols.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment and encourage staff self-care and wellness.

Other Duties

• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence.
• Approach interactions with individuals served and colleagues with a trauma sensitive lens.
• Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
• Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective.
• Completes required trainings.
• Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Licensure: Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health discipline (Social/Human Service field) with one year of experience substituting for one year of education. Must successfully pass Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Central Registry, and all required background checks. Valid Kansas driver’s license, good driving record, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Experience: Minimum of one (1) years providing services in behavioral health. Familiarity with trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge Principles of trauma-informed care, and evidence-based treatment.
• CCBHC standards for access, assessment, treatment, and documentation.
• Behavioral health best practices and outcome measurement tools.
• Medicaid and KDADS compliance requirements.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coach and motivate staff toward excellence.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data monitoring.
• Effective organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

Abilities

• Model Astra’s trauma-informed and person-centered values.
• Build trust and maintain collaborative relationships within the team and across departments.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Other Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for communication and supervision. Occasional lifting of materials (up to 25 lbs). Tolerance for active, occasionally high-stress environments typical of clinical service delivery.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily within Astra’s Community Support Services, with expected travel to other sites or community locations. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, requiring adaptability and reflective leadership. The Case Manager models Astra’s trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented philosophy, ensuring services are accessible, coordinated, and delivered with compassion and excellence.

Astra Mental Health and Recovery is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious practices, in accordance with applicable law and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Astra does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, corrective action, and termination.