Case Manager

The Case Manager operates within Counseling and Psychological Services at the University at Albany and serves to assist students with accessing appropriate mental health care and supports. The Case Manager will provide direct assistance with referrals to outside clinical providers for students in need of long-term or specialized services. They will also provide students with support in accessing a variety of campus and community resources and services. They will develop connections with community providers, hospitals, and agencies, and maintain a referral database for use by CAPS Case Managers and clinicians. The Case Manager will provide triage and brief consultation services for students experiencing mental health concerns and may co-facilitate counseling and support groups. They will assist with coordination of the CAPS response in the instance of a campus crisis postvention. The Case Manager will also contribute to the development and dissemination of outreach materials and programming regarding CAPS services and mental health topics.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct service case management appointments with students and supporting referral research.
  • Meet with students needing care outside of CAPS to assess the student's treatment needs and resources for accessing care.
  • Research potential mental health or medical providers and other resources, including determining appropriateness of fit, provider availability for new patients, and student ability to access.
  • Provide students with referrals to community providers, campus and community resources.
  • Assist students with accessing care and resources as needed, including supporting students in contacting providers and resources, guiding students in completing applications for insurance coverage or other social services, and providing information needed for navigating the healthcare system.
• Establish and maintain liaison relationships with community providers, hospitals, and agencies, and maintain a database of referral resources, ensuring it is a centralized, up-to-date resource for the purpose of enhancing referrals and services for students.
• Provide triage screening, brief mental health consultation, and group counseling.  This may include conducting phone screen triage appointments with students seeking CAPS services, providing brief consultation to students through the Let's Talk program, and/or co-facilitating group counseling.
• Development and implementation of outreach materials and programming that aim to disseminate information regarding CAPS services, suicide prevention, and other mental health topics.
• Service on CAPS, division, and University committees and workgroups that contribute to the University's goals and strategies.  Specific membership will be determined based on opportunities that fit the Case Manager's professional roles, interests, and expertise.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge regarding the mental health needs of college and university students
• Skill in evaluating client needs and identifying appropriate services and providers
• Familiarity with health insurance and social services systems.
• Skill in navigating the processes involved in securing healthcare and other services
• Ability to conduct efficient and effective triage and provide recommendations regarding mental health care as well as referrals for other related services.
• Skill in the development and distribution of information and materials to educate the campus community about mental health, CAPS services, and suicide prevention.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team and with campus and community colleagues.
• Commitment to cultural humility and ongoing development of multicultural competency in the context of providing inclusive and equitable services.

Working Environment:

• Office environment with collegial staff
• Provision of services on a scheduled, by-appointment basis
• Occasional evening or weekend programs

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or related field, from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Professional license or eligible to obtain professional license within two years of hire.
• 1 to 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with a college or university population or with emerging adults
• Demonstrated knowledge of health/mental health care systems
• Experience assisting clients with enrolling in health insurance, accessing social services, and securing healthcare.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with clients from marginalized populations and provide compassionate, ethical, culturally sensitive, and nonjudgmental care.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in assisting clients with referrals and navigation of health/mental health care and related services.
• Experience with the development and delivery of outreach materials and programming.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers