Case Manager

Job no : 524402

Work type : Staff Full Time

Location : UMass Amherst

Department : Dean of Students

Union : PSU

Categories : Student Affairs & Services, Health & Medical Services

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers.

In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Assistant Dean of Students, the Case Manager performs a variety of functions and responsibilities related to the delivery of non-clinical case management to students through outreach, advocacy, support, and helping students connect to university and community resources.

Essential Functions

Provides a continuum of case management services to students navigating complex and / or extenuating circumstances related to personal, academic, mental health, physical health, and psychosocial adjustment.

This includes, but is not limited to, conducting non-clinical assessment of concerns / referrals, meeting with students, connecting students with campus and community resources, collaborating with family members and campus partners in supporting students.

Reviews referrals from families, faculty, staff, and other members of the campus community regarding new and existing concerns.

Autonomously manage a caseload of students, providing individualized case management, tailored intervention, support and connection to campus and community resources, as well as consistent follow up to students until the concern is resolved or the student has successfully connected to an appropriate source of support.

Connects with parents / guardians and / or designated emergency contacts as appropriate.

• Uses sound professional judgement and university policies to determine the appropriate follow up for the student and the referring party, referral to the CARE or BIT teams are needed, if emergency services need to be alerted, and / or if emergency contact needs to be notified.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for emergent calls and walk-ins regarding students in distress. Provides consultation to faculty, staff and families who are seeking guidance and advice about Dean of Students Office and campus services for students who may be experiencing distress or managing extenuating circumstances.
• Provides guidance and support to students, families, faculty and staff regarding applicable university policies and procedures as well as Dean of Students Office programs / services.
• Documents all interactions with, and on behalf of, students in case management database (Symplicity) and ensures all case notes and other records are created and maintained in accordance with established policies and expectations.
• Effectively collaborates with and coordinates with other university personnel, families, healthcare providers, public safety entities, government agencies and family members when working with students in distress.
• Facilitates communication with faculty / staff regarding students who may need flexibility due to being away from campus for personal or medical reasons or are navigating complex extenuating circumstances.
• Provides support and consultation to other case managers and Dean of Students Office professional and administrative support staff regarding emergent student concerns.
• Supports the maintenance of applicable databases of internal and external resources available to students. Works on special projects that may include policy review and development, running reports and analyzing data, and developing and implementing programs and initiatives to educate the campus community about the Dean of Students Office and Case Management programs and services.
• Supports effective partnerships with key departments including, but not limited to, Residential Life, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, Student Success, UMass Police Department, Financial Aid Services, Bursars Office, Disability Services, Equal Opportunity and Access Office, and school and college academic deans and advising staff.
• Stays abreast of legislation, legal precedent, and best practices as they relate to student services and student crisis response.
• Supports the development, implementation and delivery of case management outreach and training efforts for students, faculty, and staff.

Conducts programs and trainings and may assist in transporting materials and supplies.

Represents the Dean of Students Office and Dean of Students Collaborative on University committees.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and university policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and / or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years’ experience or Master's degree and three (3) years’ experience providing services to students at a college / university or community agency.
• Direct experience supporting students / individuals navigating crises situations and / or basic needs concerns.
• Significant understanding of issues impacting college students’ adjustment and success and awareness of case management best practices.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office suite applications and online course development.
• Experience using a web-based software platform to initiate, track, and record work.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and in developing inclusive communities and work teams.
• Demonstrated experience creating and delivering trainings, workshops, small group discussion / facilitation, and presentations.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to lift boxes and materials that weigh up to 30 pounds.

Work Schedule

Typical work schedule : Monday-Friday 8 : 30am-5 : 00pm.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process.

Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This posting will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first.

Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.

To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.

It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised : Jul 29 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close : Nov 3 2024 Eastern Standard Time