Lead Case Manager

The Lead Case Manager/Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) guidance and support to case managers while maintaining their own caseload. They provide substance abuse treatment via individual and group counseling services to clients experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health challenges.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support the Program Director in managing the referral process and ensuring efficient case assignment. This includes:
• • Assisting in the review and triage of new referrals by monitoring caseload capacity and identifying case complexity to inform assignments.
  • Facilitating timely intake and engagement with youth and families following referral acceptance.
  • Monitoring referral patterns and collaborating with supervisors to identify service delivery gaps and evolving needs.
• Case Support & Guidance:
• • Serve as a resource for case managers by providing guidance on complex cases and intervention strategies.
  • Support case managers in engaging families, troubleshooting challenges, and connecting them with appropriate services.
  • Provide feedback to case managers on documentation, case notes, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.
• Collaboration & Program Development:
• • Identify service gaps and relay concerns or recommendations to program leadership.
  • Participate in team meetings to ensure consistency in service delivery.
  • Assist in training new case managers and providing ongoing peer support.
  • Monitor compliance with program requirements, agency policies, state regulations, and accreditation standards.
  • Participate in required trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
  • Attend at least three (3) community events per year on a Saturday or Sunday to represent the program and engage with  the community.
• Chemical Dependency Counseling:
• • Conduct substance abuse assessments, screenings, and evaluations to determine client treatment needs.
  • Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans based on clinical assessments and client goals.
  • Provide individual, group, and family counseling services utilizing evidence-based treatment practices.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused on recovery, relapse prevention, life skills, and behavioral health topics.
  • Monitor client progress and adjust treatment interventions as appropriate.
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required records.
  • Provide direct supervision and support to youth and families in the home, school, and community.
  • Conduct intake assessments to determine the root causes of truancy and develop individualized case plans.
  • Work closely with families to address barriers to attendance, such as mental health challenges, substance abuse, transportation, or family instability.
  • Assist families in accessing community resources, including basic needs support, counseling, and educational services.
  • Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable regulations.
• Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
• • Participate in team after hours support rotation, providing immediate response to urgent needs and maintaining continuity of care outside scheduled sessions.
  • Assist families in addressing crises that could lead to legal consequences, school dropout, or out-of-home placement.
  • Support case managers in high-risk cases by providing additional guidance and intervention strategies.
  • Advocate for families by coordinating services and interventions that support school attendance and success.
• Collaboration & Community Outreach
• • Develop strong professional relationships within the school setting and broader community.
  • Participate in case staffings, training sessions, and educational workshops to enhance family awareness of truancy laws and school expectations.
  • Engage in community outreach efforts to educate families about the importance of school attendance.
  • Coordinate care with medical providers, case managers, probation officers, community agencies, family members, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and treatment planning discussions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively
• Commitment to professional development and proactive research
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience using The Seven Challenges program is preferred
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Drive) with the ability to learn new software
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to produce comprehensive narrative reports
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and behavioral health treatment modalities.
• Knowledge of group therapy, individual counseling related to substance use treatment.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation requirements.
• Understanding of confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and ethical counseling practices.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound clinical judgment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, education, human services.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents, adults, or justice-involved populations preferred.
• Must maintain all required professional licenses and certifications throughout employment.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, may include Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform routine office and clinical activities.
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
• Ability to travel locally as required by program needs.
• Must be able to provide First Aid and CPR.