Advice for New Case Manager-It Would Mean A lot?
Asked by humanbeforeamerican
I just graduated this past May with a degree in social work, and got hired on as a case manager about 6 weeks ago at an agency I worked for part time. It really requires more experience, or at least more training in my opinion. The agency is new so kinks are being worked out. I feel very lost. It is very fast paced & I have not been trained one bit. They know my experience-they saw my resume and hired me anyway. I have been sent out on my own to client's homes to do my own diagnostic assessments, I have been assigned to try and diagnosis clients, (although my diagnosis must be signed off by my supervisor), and there has been no orientation period or training whatsover. I am a case manager, and I don't know how to be a case manager! My supervisor basically says all new agencies are like this out of college, but don't most agencies have a training period, or at least assign a small caseload to new case managers? I was under the impression that I would be trained for at least a month.

Best Answer:
Usually casemanagers and casemanagement do not get into diagnosis. You don't say what type of diagnosis you are doing, but it is not common for a BA level worker to do diagnosis (even under supervision). So in general if you are doing DSM related diagnosis at a BA level you are operating beyond the general scope of practice. Now if you have an MSW that is a different story. You don't indicate what population you are working with, but there are a number of good texts related to case managment with different populations. DA

All I can suggest is be compassionate, but don't let your client's walk all over you. Go into every situation with your eyes open. Most agencies don't give training. Most agencies are so underfunded and overworked that they don't want to take the time to train a person right. Unfortunately for them, by not taking time to train a person right, it will cost a lot more money in the end due to costly errors and oversights. I am not sure what type of case manager you are as there are several types, but I wish you the best because the line of work that you have chosen is not an easy on in any respect.
Answered by pitbull1969

Congratulations on your degree in social work! Hats off to you :) If you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed, perhaps you should talk with your supervisor about it. It can only enhance patient care by being more comfortable with one's duties and expectations. Perhaps you can mention that you were under the impression that you would be receiving more training and wish to have more guidance as to what your tasks are and such. If you are still feeling like a fish out of water, perhaps you should look for a different position where there is less responsibility until you get more experience. I'm sure you'll be fantastic!
Answered by jannsody

It all depends. Do you speak Spanish? Do you have a great deal of experince with the population you are currently working with. Do you have supervision hours or an open door policy with your supervisior? I work for a non profit agency and employ case managers and social workers. Please, not that this is a great field, but it is high burnout and not the best pay. Unelss you work for the state/county.
Answered by Rock_N_Roll_Chicky