CM Specialist I

A Case Specialist provides specialized case management to Boulder County residents in the intake process or enrolled in an HCBS Waiver, who are diagnosed with IDD, a Brain Injury or Autism, in emergency, crisis or urgent situations as needed. Works in collaboration with member's existing case manager to ensure crisis/urgent needs are met. Provides temporary support through the duration of the crisis to ensure housing, basic needs such as food and clothing, and access to benefits are maintained. Provides support to enroll in or reinstate necessary benefits to promote member self-sufficiency and case stabilization, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and/or a trust fund. Supports individuals in obtaining or changing services or service providers. Case Specialist supports individuals in a robust way which addresses crisis, emergency or urgent situations quickly and efficiently. Essential Duties/Responsibilities- Establishes and maintains increased knowledge about the HCBS waivers and offerings. Attends regular case management team meetings to stay engaged with current rules/regulations and policies/procedures regarding case management. Stays up to date on community resources and shares responsibility in updating the Resource Library. Provides consultation and support in times of crisis for individuals in services including but not limited to assuming cases that require crisis related/urgent responsibilities from intake/ongoing case managers in cases that require more intensive support until the client is stable. Participates in IDT meetings with preparation from intake/ongoing case managers to mitigate crisis level/urgent situations. Completion of timely, accurate, professional case notes within established deadlines. Completes service plan revisions, IP meetings and assessments as needed. Ensures all required documentation for ongoing funding and benefits is in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Imagine! rules and regulations. Provides troubleshooting for issues when generating service plans in the designated state system and subsequent correspondence with the state to resolve such matters. Collaborates with local advocacy agencies, public assistance programs, service providers and when necessary, child/adult protection services, and law enforcement. Establishes and maintains expertise in various types of Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, Trusts, TANF, subsidized programs, housing and other public benefits. Establishes and maintains relationships with the Boulder County Department of Human Services (DHS). Works closely with DHS to prevent or remedy service eligibility breaks due to Medicaid recertification requirements. Establishes and maintains relationships with local SSA offices. Navigates individuals' challenges with SSDI/SSA and assists in solution development and implementation. Communicates with and helps individuals navigate the public benefits and resources for which they are eligible including Housing Choice Vouchers. Provides caseload coverage in times of high turnover. Regularly attends Application Workshops This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. This position requires regular use of a personal vehicle with liability insurance that meets Imagine! standards. Other duties as assigned Job Qualifications - Knowledge, Skill, and Ability: •Solid skills in working with people with developmental disabilities and/or their families. •Solid independent judgment and discretion in monitoring, advising, and advocating for individuals and their families. •Strong knowledge of family dynamics. •Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others. •Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. •Ability to work effectively in a team setting. •Effective and professional written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels. •Strong planning and organizational skills. •Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver. This includes an ability to provide crisis intervention and mediate disputes. •Ability to work efficiently with various technology including word processing software, e-mail, databases, medical software and general internet skills. •Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to meet A&I Avenues driving requirements. Training/Education: •Bachelor's Degree in Human Services highly preferred. Experience: •One-year experience as a Case Manager required. •Experience with public benefit systems highly preferred. Working Environment/Physical Activities •Requires the ability to travel to various locations to meet with families, providers, etc. •Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a highly stressful and changing work environment. •Ability to respond to emergency situations as needed. Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. This is an hourly, non-exempt position, and all duties can be completed in a 40-hour work week. Overtime may not be worked without prior authorization and justification of work demands outside of published agency workflow-related time to task norms.