Case Management Assistant

Individuals in need have many programs available to them that can potentially help them get the aid, assistance, or treatment they need for various problems. These can include meal delivery programs for the elderly, job training for the homeless population, and drug treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. While there are many options available to people, it's often difficult for an individual who is already in a challenging situation to locate and identify the best service for their needs.

This is where case managers and case management assistants can come in. If you have a passion for helping people and want to identify the best possible way to serve those in need, this could be the perfect career.

What is a Case Management Assistant?

Case management assistants work closely with case managers, assisting them with everyday duties that will make them more efficient and effective at their jobs. Case managers are responsible for helping people in challenging situations find the help that they need. This might include identifying the right community programs, treatment regimens, or public education resources to help with complex problems.

A case management assistant will work alongside the case manager as well as others in the field, such as social workers. Case management assistants will have varying responsibilities depending on the facility they work in and the team that they're employed on.

Regardless of the specifics of this job, case management assistants must have a passion for working with people. Strong people skills are invaluable in this position, as these professionals work closely with individuals in a variety of difficult situations. If you're interested in becoming a case management assistant, you should be extremely organized and punctual. You'll need outstanding attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively to be successful in this support role.

Job Responsibilities:

• File management
• Verifying individuals' information
• Ensuring referral information is accurate
• Communicating with treatment or counseling programs
• Interviewing new clients
• Developing assistance plans in conjunction with case workers
• Reviewing client progress
• Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plans in conjunction with supervising case or social workers
• Researching newly available treatment options

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What is the Job Outlook for a Case Management Assistant?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't gather information specific to case management assistants. However, it does maintain information on social and human service assistants. The job outlook in this field is very positive. The BLS anticipates job growth of 16 percent over the 2016 to 2026 decade. This is more than double the national average of seven percent growth expected for all US occupations over the same period.

The BLS predicts that there will be an increasing number of people seeking assistance with everything from meals to treatment plans for drug and alcohol addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be a growing number of elderly adults who may need help with transportation, adult daycare, or meal delivery.

This situation will create a growing need for social workers, case managers, and case management assistants who can provide the services necessary to connect individuals in need with the programs and services that can help them.

Where Do Case Management Assistants Work?

Case management assistants can work in a variety of environments. According to the BLS, 27 percent of social and human service assistants are employed in individual and family services. Another 14 percent work for nursing and residential care facilities, 12 percent are employed in hospitals, and 10 percent work for community and vocational rehabilitation services. Nine percent work with the state government.

Case management assistants may spend time working in an office environment. However, they may also spend a great deal of time in clinics, shelters, hospitals, and group homes. In some cases, case management assistants will visit clients in their homes. They may also travel to various program centers or treatment facilities to check in with clients there. In 2016, about 20 percent of social and human service assistants worked part-time. The rest enjoyed full-time employment. Hours can vary greatly and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

What Training and Education Do I Need to Become a Case Management Assistant?

If you're interested in becoming a case management assistant, you should pursue a minimum of an associate degree. The Human & Social Services Associate Degree from Bryant & Stratton College will prepare you for a career in human and social services by giving you a well-rounded background in topics such as healthcare information systems, public health issues, and crisis intervention. Graduating from this program, you'll understand how to best assist human services professionals, handle case management, and evaluate patients' needs from a counseling standpoint.

What Can I Do with an AAS Human & Social Services Degree?

With an AAS Human & Social Services Degree, you'll be equipped for a variety of positions in social work and human services. The position of case management assistant can go by many names. When you're seeking employment in this area, it's best to keep your eye out for many related job titles. This will give you the best chance of landing a job quickly after graduation.

Some job titles that you may want to look out for include:

• Social and human service assistant
• Community coordinator
• Family support worker
• Human services program specialist
• Outreach specialist
• Mental health technician
• Social work associate
• Social services assistant
• Advocate
• Assistant Case worker

Expanding your job search will help you get the most out of your valuable AAS Human & Social Services degree.

You should note that data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is intended for informational purposes only. This is an educated guess regarding the future of the labor force in the United States, but it is not meant as a guarantee of employment or job opportunities.

For more insights into this and other degrees available from Bryant & Stratton College, check out the degree insights section of our blog. Here, you'll find a wealth of information to help you plan your future career.