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Case Management & Care Coordination

Joyfields Knowledge Center

What is Case Management?

People and their families can benefit greatly from case management, which is a method of locating and connecting them with the services they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Case managers help clients by assessing their situation, developing a strategy, referring them to appropriate services, and following up with them regularly. The goal of case management is to increase a person's sense of autonomy and well-being. Everyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or other factors, has access to case management services. If you are experiencing a personal crisis, are having difficulty managing a long-term health condition, or just need assistance navigating the social service system, case management may be able to help.  Case management is not open to everyone you must be involved with a social services system to receive CM.

 

What Is a Case Manager and What Do They Do?

A case manager is a person who works to make sure that their clients get the care they need. They help people and families figure out what they need, make care plans, and find resources and services. Case managers also help and speak up for their clients to make sure they get the best care possible. Case managers can work in hospitals, community health centers, and social service agencies, among other places. A managed care organization or an insurance company may also hire them. In the end, their goal is to help their clients figure out the complicated healthcare  system and get the care they need to improve their health and well-being.

How to Become a Case Manager?

A case manager helps clients with a wide range of problems, from drug abuse to mental health, by giving them support and speaking up for them. They work closely with clients and their families to make treatment plans and make sure that clients have access to the resources they need. If you want to be a case manager, you will need to do a few things. First, you'll need an associate's or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field. Next, you will need to have worked in the field of human services for a number of years. However, there are cases when you can be hired right out of school with no experience. You can be an important part of any case management team if you get the right education and work experience.

How to Become a Certified Case Manager?

A person needs to complete an accredited course of study in order to earn the Certified Case Manager credential. After completing the necessary coursework, candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge by scoring well on the American Case Management Association's rigorous examination. After demonstrating competence on the exam, the case manager will be recognized as a certified professional and free to apply their expertise in any field. Certified case managers are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics in addition to meeting the educational requirements. Case managers are held to a strict code of ethics to ensure that their clients' needs are met in a confidential and professional manner at all times. If they stick to these guidelines, certified case managers can help raise the bar on patient care everywhere.

What Is a Case Management Conference?

In general, a case management conference is when the case manager meets with the individual or family to develop the case plan.

In the world of law, a case management conference is when the people involved in a lawsuit get together before the trial. The conference is led by a judge or another neutral third party, and its purpose is to talk about how the case is going and plan what will happen next. The conference could also be used to settle disagreements about how things should be done or talk about possible settlements. In most places, all parties to a lawsuit are required to show up at the case management conference. However, in the world of case management, a case management conference is an event where a case manager meets with an individual or family to develop a case plan. 

 

Family Case Management

What Is Family Case Management?

Family case management is a process whereby a team of professionals works with a family to assess their strengths and needs, develop a plan of care, and connect them with services and resources. The goal of family case management is to support families in achieving their goals and improving their well-being. In many cases, family case management is provided through the public child welfare system, but it can also be provided through private agencies or community organizations. Family case managers often have backgrounds in social work, psychology, or counseling, and they typically receive specialized training in working with families. If you are interested in pursuing family case management, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to be aware of the different types of services that are available. Second, you should be prepared to work closely with a team of professionals. And third, you should be prepared to commit to the process for the long haul; family case management is not a quick fix, but rather a journey that takes time and effort.

Is Case Management a Type of Family Therapy?

Case management is not therapy, it is a service that may refer a child, individual or family to therapy. You might be wondering if case management services are considered therapy if you're thinking about getting them for your family. Case management services can differ greatly in their approach and focus, so the answer to this question is not always clear. However, many case managers take what is known as a "family systems approach," which means they see families not as isolated units but as complex systems comprised of interconnected entities. That is to say, they don't look at each member of the family separately, but rather as part of the larger family unit. When dealing with issues that affect everyone in the family, this method can be extremely effective. Case management may be an excellent choice if you are assessing, coordinating, planning and referring services that account for the needs of an entire family.

What Does a Family Case Manager Do?

A family case manager is an individual with training and experience in family case management that aids struggling households. They help families assess their resources, determine areas of improvement, and implement change. The community resources that family case managers refer their clients to include counseling services and financial aid programs. Another possible role is acting as an advocate for families to secure the provision of necessary services. Many case managers are licensed by professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers; others have degrees in social work or a related field. Licensing and certifications vary by each state

A family case manager's day-to-day tasks will change based on the requirements of the family they are working with, but their overarching mission will always be the same: to assist families in becoming stable and self-sufficient.

 

Image: By Johnny Cohen / Unsplash

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