General Description

The MCOT Youth Case Manager works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) and within federal, state, and local guidelines. The MCOT Youth Case Manager provides moderately complex case management and skills training services to youth with persistent symptoms of mental illness. Work involves developing and maintaining contact with individuals served, their family members, and other community services providers for the duration of their services with the MCOT. This position will work closely with both the juvenile justice and psychiatric hospital systems to ensure comprehensive services and coordination of care for individuals served.

This is a SMART Innovation grant funded position ending in August of 2025. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of additional funding. If further funding is not secured, the position will end on August 31, 2025.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field (qualifying as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)) required.
• Requires experience working with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and experience with crisis intervention services.
• Master's Degree in a human service-related field preferred.
•  Preferred experience in a community mental health center and/or hospital setting

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

•  Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o  Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

•   Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•   Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
•   Knowledge and background in mental health services, experience working with C&A population preferred.
•   Knowledge of serious and persistent mental health disorders, personality disorders and substance use/dependence disorders encompassed in the DSM-5-TR.
•   Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations, and communicative skills; ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
•   Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and in operating computers and applicable computer software.
•   Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in group situations.
•   Highly effective at working objectively with a diverse group of people and must demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative skills.
•   Ability to make decisions based on education preparation and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center philosophy, policies and procedures, and standards of care for both the Center and local psychiatric hospitals in which the Center contracts with.
•   Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
•   Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1.  Responsible for providing case management and skills training to individuals who have been assigned to the positions case load.

•   Conduct face-to-face, audio and/or video contact with individual's served, providing the above listed services.
•   Effectively manages a caseload of 15-30 clients between Denton and Flower Mound locations, including Serve Lewisville.
•   Contact the individual served/legally authorized representative within two business days of assignment to case load.
•   Meet with individual served within seven business days of assignment to case load.
•   Evaluates the psychosocial, economic, and physical needs of individuals served, to provide appropriate referrals.
•   Ensures each individual served on caseload is seen face to face a minimum of once per week and completes documentation to include presence or absence of suicidal and homicidal ideations, progress/lack of progress towards recovery goals, resources provided, and next appointment date, time, and location.

2.  Communicates with individuals served, their families, treatment team, law enforcement officials, schools, and other community partners to obtain background information and ensure continuity of care, as needed.

•   Obtains all appropriate release of information forms, as needed.

3.  Conducts triages within 10 minutes of assignment, and staffs with management to determine if a risk of harm assessment is needed.

•   Provides all necessary information to assessment team.

4.  Assists with 24-hour follow ups, second follow ups, LOC5 appointments, and aftercares when needed.

•   Collaboratively creates safety and recovery plans.
•   Uses the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) to determine appropriate level of care.
•   Provides resources and additional support as needed.

5.  MCOT team members will be asked to complete case management appointments and a variety of crisis related tasks at secure and unsecure locations.

•   Secure locations within Denton County limits include our Center locations, schools, medical hospitals, behavioral health hospitals, city and county jails, and juvenile detention offices.
•   Unsecure locations include private residences or facilities that do not have law enforcement or SRO's present.
•   If at any time staff feel unsafe during a crisis related task, it is the staff's responsibility to voice their concerns to their next level supervisor. The staff and next level supervisor will collaborate to determine the next steps.

6.  Begins discharge planning for individuals served from onset of services in the MCOT program.

•   Identifies strengths and needs of everyone by completing/reviewing the child and adolescent needs and strengths assessment, during or prior to initial meeting.
•   Clearly explains the transitional nature (90 days) of MCOT level of care (LOC5) services to individuals served and the legally authorized representative (LAR).
•   Communicates with the individual's Center provider (advanced nurse practitioner/psychiatrist) regarding discharge plans at minimum 4 weeks prior to discharge date.

7.  Assists with transportation needs of individuals served in MCOT services.

•  Provides transportation as needed, adhering to the Center transportation procedures.

8.  Demonstrates knowledge of grant goals and objectives, to include but not limited to:

o  Enhancing current crisis intervention and liaison services.

o  Working with caregivers and youth to improve mental health outcomes.

o  Develop innovative strategies for working with youth experiencing mental health concerns that are relevant, usable, and sustainable.

o  Implement innovative strategies that encourage resiliency, coping and social skills, health social and familial relationships, and parenting skills and behaviors.

o  Reduce re-admissions to state hospitals, inpatient mental health facilities, and residential behavioral health facilities for individuals served.

o  Improve relationships skills and self esteem of individuals served.

9.  Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.

•   Attends all Crisis team meetings as scheduled and signs in for meetings to acknowledge presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
•   Attends all other pertinent meetings as scheduled and communicate with supervisor when unavailable.

10.  Is familiar with all applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), fidelity tools and HHSC contract information and Center policies and procedures.

•   All documentation is completed within two business days.
•   Skill training notes include fidelity words.
•  All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.
•  Sign company cars out prior to use and in after use, complete travel log in each car, complete maintenance request upon identifying problems, fills cars up with gas using center gas card when cars reach ? tank, and follow center policy regarding accidents in center vehicles or on center time.

11.  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

a.  Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

b.  Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

c.  Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.

Full-time employees are eligible for full medical, dental and vision benefits. Part time employees are eligible for full medical and dental benefits. Incentives are available if employee chooses to participate in Center's Wellness Program.

• Base Plan and Buy Up Plans offered through Imagine360.
  • The Center covers 100% of cost of the base plan if electing employee coverage only.
• Internal & External Employee Assistance Programs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starts at date of hire.
  • Full-time employees earn up to 120 hours of PTO during first year of employment.
    • Part-time employees earn up to 60 hours of PTO during first year of employment.
  • PTO increases with tenure level.
  • The Center gives 5 personal days to full-time employees and 1 personal day to part-time employees to use at their discretion.
• Full time employees are enrolled into 401a retirement plan at 90 days of service.
  • The Center contributes 3% of earnings at 90 days of service.
  • The Center contributes 5% of earnings at 2 years of service.
• Additional, 403b and 457 retirement plans available.
  
• Full time employees have access to Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Medical FSA
  • Dependent FSA
• The Center offers and covers 100% the following to full-time employees:
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability
  • Basic Life & Accidental Death Coverage
  • Basic Life Spouse Coverage
• The Center offers and covers 100% the following to part-time employees:
  • Short-Term Disability

Denton County MHMR Center is an approved NHSC (CMHC) and Pediatric Specialty with HRSA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) site.

Full Time: Non-Exempt

Work Model: In person

Monday through Friday: 8AM-5PM

Pay Range: $21-24/HOURLY