Case Manager Career Guide and Counseling

Question: If I start my career as a case manager for a non-profit organization, will I have the opportunity to advance? Will I be able to get higher salaries and apply for other positions? If you are a case manager for a non-profit organization, what state do you live in and what is the starting salary? Thanks.

Answer: I started off as a caseworker and am now a Program Director, so you can move up. Salaries and opportunities vary greatly depending on the specific type of casemanagement (long term, crisis, disability, etc) and the type of education required. In general, a person wiht a good work ethic that proves to be reliable and interested in learning will have an opportunity to advance. I live in Nevada and starting wage for soemone with a Bachelor's degree is somewhere around $12/hour.

Question: What is the average salary of a non-profit agency case manager/social worker supervisor? I am currently a case manager/social worker at a non-profit social services agency. I have hopes of becoming a supervisor someday. Can someone give me an estimate of a supervisor salary in this field? I tried to Google it, but it kept giving me salaries of RN case managers rather than the social services one I kept trying to specify. Thanks!

Answer: Check out http://www.salarydom.com, a website that's focused on the average salary information for technical jobs. I signed up for an account because the give the specific salary info for a specific company and work location. They also give a personalized salary report that compares your salary to others who work the same position or in the same industry.

Question: why is it taking my case manager and lawyer so long to file suit? why is it taking my case manager and lawyer so long to file a suit(personal injury)? They keep telling me they are and never do? Are they trying to rack up a bill or something? Or maybe they just dont care about my case?

Answer: Fire them, if you can. If not, record every contact in detail, in writing. Their procrastination could compromise your case, either by allowing evidence to be lost and memories to fade, or by passing some statute of limitations. Ask specific questions: Do you need any other paperwork? Anyone you need to interview? Who, specifically, is working my case (not just the office)? Is there anything I can do (if you are in fact able to do something)--type, acquire documents, assemble documents, hand-carry them to the courthouse, etc.? What specific things need to be done before you file? When is the statute of limitations? When do you plan to file? State that you are quite concerned over how long the process is taking--you don't want a principal defendant to retire, move, or die before it goes to court, etc. Of course, don't be accusative, but try to nail them down as to what the problem is, what they need in order to correct it, what you can do to help, and when they intend to do it. They may be in cahoots with the defendants, and they may simply be swamped. Maybe a key assistant moved and they can't find all the paperwork. But if your wheel doesn't squeak, they may continue to give your case short shrift. So SQUEAK!!!!!--nicely, but do squeak! And keep squeaking. Don't take no for an answer. If they try to make you feel like you're bothering them "too much," be apologetic, but firm: "I'm really sorry to bother you so much, but I have a lot at stake here and I'm getting really worried." And follow up. If they keep waffling, say, "I guess you are really busy. Can you recommend someone else I can take my case to who isn't so busy?" With that subtle(?) threat to take your business elsewhere, maybe they'll be spurred into action. And take extensive notes! Who you talked to, date (and time), and as much detail as you can remember about what was said. You might even say (if they're giving you non-answers), "I'm making a note of what you're saying, but I don't quite understand your answer. Are you saying that . . . .? I need to understand your answer well enough to write it down." Get the book, "When I Say No, I Feel Guilty," by Manuel J. Smith. It's about how to assert yourself in situations like this. It's invaluable.

Question: What concentrations do I need to become a case manager? What concentrations do I need to become a case manager Do I need to just have B.A. or do I need a major in Pyscholgy and a concentration and if I do which would be best in your opinion.

Answer: Unfortunately, case managers are so badly underpaid that a BA in pretty much any humanity plus organizational skills plus a sincere desire to help people will land you a job as some sort of case worker. Specific types may have specific requirements...if you have more precise needs, do a little digging and you'll find out. My wife was a case worker for several years. Bless you for wanting to make the world a better place.

Question: How do I become a CPS Case Manager? Hi, I was wondering what I need to major in to become a CPS Case Manager, what degree is required and what the average annual income is.

Answer: I've seen case managers with extremely varied degrees, but social work and psychology are the two most common. Around $30,000 seems to be about average for the nation. You can make more as a high-end waiter.

Question: How do I convince my Case Manager I need Rem, a service for people with disabilities? It's in Wisconsin. I am a person with a mental health disability and I need a REM worker to help run my errands like shopping and help teach me how to clean my house. My Case Manager doesn't think I need it but I do. I can barely keep my house clean and I don't drive...

Answer: I understand what your going through!! I was in the same position without a case manager.I called the Dept of Human Services and asked for a Social Worker to help me with all my issues. She has been a great help. I have a mental health worker and someone like a REM worker assigned to me. The 3 of them work together to help me achieve my goals. So you might try there or see if there are and volunteer orgnz. in your community that help with independent living skills. Hoped this helped!!

Question: How does a MR Case Manager make? I'm looking to change jobs, I am starting to get bored with the job I am currently at and looking to find something new. I have the qualifications for being a Case Manager but don't know how much they make annually. Would it be worth leaving a state job (I live/work in Virginia) to transfer into a city job? Thanks.

Answer: Try going to http://www.salary.com/

Question: What is the difference between a case manager and a service/support coordinator? I am going to be working as a case manager for people with disabilities. What is the difference between a case manager and a service/support coordinator working with people with disabilities? Thanks!

Answer: Please check your job description as this will clarify what your exact role is. A case manager role may depend on what country your in, but in Australia a case manager facilitates co-operation with other agencies/services to manage a clients wants and needs, this includes the implementation of the following, through ISP's Individual Service Plans etc. Treatment Plans Progress Notes Medical History Psychiatric History Developmental History Medical Conditions Assessments Testing Discharge Plans Aftercare Follow up care or on going support They are also the mediator between family, other services/agencies and support workers. And they will also have relevant qualifications and skills, at higher level. A support worker is someone who cares for and support people in specific area's e.g Youth Disability Aged care Family etc, which can be assistance in accessing service providers, physical assistance to eat, bath etc and just someone to assist with shopping etc, they may do some of the above, depending on their job description, and will co-ordinate with the case manager to ensure clients needs and wants are being met. Support workers are qualified too, but possibly not to the extent of a case manager.

Question: Did my case manager give me good advice? She told me I should cancel my car insurance since the car isn't running, but the insurance company is telling me that if I cancel it, I'd have to turn back in the license plates & that it would cost more to get insurance turned back on. Do you think the insurance lady just wants more money? Now I'm stuck because I'm being told 2 different things that sound right, but if I don't listen to my case manager, she'll call me irresponsible.

Answer: U need to abide by your state law. Talk to the DMV, and ignore your case manager. Your insurance company is right.

Question: whats the best no fault auto case manager in west michigan advocating for the patient? My wife was in a serious auto accident and we need a case manager that doesn't advocate for the insurance company. We live in the grand Rapids area. Pleas Help. is tough enough without having to fight insurance every step of the way. (State Farm)

Answer: For car insurance the easiest way to get a low quote is do a auto policy comparison. Be sure to choose the same coverage amounts, you can get an accurate quote to compare against others. Use the same zip code, car make and model, mileage and driving history to make sure you get an apples to apples comparison. To get easy auto insurance quotes, go to http://www.multipleautoinsurancequotes.com/Michigan-Car-Insurance-Quotes.html and you can compare the major auto insurance companies.

Question: I am a RN case manager, and I was wondering if anyone knows of companies that hire case managers to work from? I am a RN case manager, and I was wondering if anyone knows of companies that hire case managers to work from? or telecommute. I do case management/disease management/utilization review. This is not direct patient care. Appreciate any recommendations. Thanks

Answer: You don't mention where you live, but you can try either of the following:

Question: Should I accept job as a Blended Case Manager? I was recently offered a position with a local human service agency as a Blended Case manager. I'm not to sure if I should accept the position or not. I am not 100 percent familiar with what exactly will be required of me and I want to make sure I make the right decision. Anyone know anything about case management working with children with emotional and behavioral problems?

Answer: I don't know exactly what a "Blended" case manager is, but I was a case manager for approximately 3 years working with children with mental and behavioral problems. For the first two years, I worked with therapeutic foster children. The foster parents were paid money from the social work or Department of Human Resources and by my agency that I worked for. They were called therapeutic because they had more mental issues and needed to be cared for in a more extensive way than just a regular foster child. Dealing with children with mental and behavioral problems is a trying, exhaustive career at times. They often have problems in school as well as at home. I had to visit the foster home once a week, and the school once a month. There was paperwork galore!! Paperwork is usually a never ending story with case management. You have to be a firm person, but also fair. It can be fun and rewarding at times. It is not a job meant for everyone of course. If you are in it for the money, don't do it. The money is not that great in comparison to the amount of work. I am not trying to scare you. It's one of those jobs that you will either hate or love and you make the most of it. Usually, you are paid mileage and that is a plus...lol. Good luck to you.

Question: Who Is the Best HIV Case Manager In Kansas City? I tested HIV + at the end of August. I have been going to KC Free Health Clinic but i am less than happy with the services... I appreciate thier help but its time i find permanent case management . Any Suggestions

Answer: im sorry i dont.. i hope you do find something a little better than what you found at that place..good luck to you..

Question: What are the roles and responsibilities of a case manager in a hospital setting? I usually work as a nurse in ICU and in Hemodialysis. As a career change, I would like to try this position with the minimun experince I have. Is the compensation different from nurses who are working on the floor? How much are they compensated?

Answer: According to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_management Hospital Case Managers are professionals in the hospital setting who ensure that patients are admitted and transitioned to the appropriate level of care, have an effective plan of care and are receiving prescribed treatment, and have an advocate for services and plans needed during and after their stay. Case Managers concurrently plan for transitions of care, discharge and often post discharge follow up. Case Managers often coordinate/communicate with the patient and family, physician(s), funding sources (i.e. insurance, Medicare), and community resources that provide services the patient may need, such as rehabilitation facilities or providers of medical equipment. Through this coordination, hospital case managers’ goals are to ensure both optimal patient and hospital outcomes including quality of care, efficient resource utilization and reimbursement for services. Hospital Case Management is a collaborative practice, consisting primarily of Nurse and Social Work professionals working in collaboration with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. Case Managers’ Role A Case Manager’s responsibilities include the following functions: •Advocacy & Education – ensuring the patient has an advocate for needed services and any needed education. •Clinical Care Coordination/Facilitation – coordinating multiple aspects of care to ensure the patient progresses. •Continuity/Transition Management – transitioning of the patient to the appropriate level of care needed. •Utilization/Financial Management – managing resource utilization and reimbursement for services. •Performance & Outcomes Management – monitoring, and if needed, intervening to achieve desired goals and outcomes for both the patient and the hospital. •Psychosocial Management – assessing and addressing psychosocial needs including individual, familial, environmental, etc. •Research & Practice Development – Identifying practice improvements and using evidence based data to influence needed practice changes . Hospital Case Manager Education and Certification To be a Case Manager requires experience in the hospital setting, typically as a nurse or a social worker. Additional skills specific to case management are learned in the role. Advanced certification is available to Hospital Case Managers through the Accredited Case Manager™ (ACM) Certification, offered by ACMA. The ACM™ Certification is the only certification that is specifically designed to validate an individual’s competency in hospital case management practice, and is offered to both Nurse and Social Work Case Managers. The ACM™ Certification requires professionals to apply, demonstrate two years of hospital case management experience and licensure as a nurse or social worker, and to sit for and pass an examination. The exam consists of two components. The first section contains core case management questions that test the knowledge of Case Managers working in a hospital/health system. The second component is comprised of clinical simulations, which test the application of case management knowledge to simulated practice scenarios. Successful completion of the ACM™ Certification requires passing both parts of the exam, and earns the successful application the ACM credential. This credential must be renewed every four years through demonstrating the required hours of continuing education. American Case Management Association ACMA is the association solely for Hospital Case Management professionals, and currently consists of more than 2,000 members, and is represented by 18 state chapters nationwide. ACMA provides hospital-focused education and networking for Case Managers – including nurses, social workers, physicians, administrators and other health care professionals.

Question: Why am I FORCED against my will to see a psychiatrist, take medicine, & have a case manager? I'll be 24 very soon, & I have a college degree. Some people tell me that I shouldn't be made to take medication, have a case manager, & see a psychiatrist if I'm of age & don't do self-harm or harm to others. When my family or my case manager or the doctor suspect I'm not taking my medicine, they make threats to have me mentally hospitalized. Is this legal?

Answer: You can't be forced into any of this. If you're a danger to yourself and others you may be held for three days in a mental facility. You may also be declared incompetent and hospitalized, but this is very difficult and you sure don't sound incompetent. I don't believe a judge would rule you so.

Question: I have recently been given a case manager at a mental health clinc. Is this compulsory? They have told me they will be involved for the rest of the year. I have seen a psychiatrist there last week. They don't seem to ask me about anything. They tell me what's happening instead so I'm guessing this is involuntary.

Answer: A case manager is usually the one that oversees what the rest of the treatment team is doing in your case. That person should be reviewing what the therapist and psychiatrist discuss with you and recommend for you, and see if the treatment you are receiving is appropriate and if anything else should be added/deleted from your treatment. If you are new to the mental health system in this clinic, it may take some time for you to get used to it. If it is not providing what you want or need for your treatment, say so to the case manager and that could help you. If it does not, your option is to seek out other treatment from another source that you feel better about and can have more trust in. Good Luck to you, give it a chance and see what happens.