What in the world is case management anyway? The nonprofit sphere uses the word copiously, but not always with an explanation. Phrases include “we provide intensive case management,” “families benefit from case management,” “programs don’t work without case management.”
I think it’s easier to explain than define. So, here’s what a day in the life of our case manager Christine Rockey might look like.
She comes to the office at 8 a.m., checks her emails, seeing 28 applications for our Catch UP program. Catch UP assists folks with back rent. We received those applications in the one-day application window. She evaluates quickly those who are eligible and not and begins communication.
For folks who have applied and aren’t employed, she may suggest the Road to Success program, have them sign up and have an interview. She’ll talk with them about the things currently standing in their way and address those things— transportation, clothing, the application process.
She’ll apply for, then take a RTS applicant to get scrubs for work and do the same with steel-toed boots for another.
She’ll sit down with our current guests, ask them about their rental progress, and talk with them about how to get their credit in a better space. Together they’ll think through the cost of the possible rental to see if it’s affordable in the long term.
Someone needs help with furniture for housing, so she writes up a referral to New Digs.
Off to take a guest to get a prescription, or to a medical appointment, then to job club with a nonprofit partner to talk about dressing for work and creating a resume.
Next is an interview with a shelter applicant. Christine will talk with them about their current situation, their goals, implementing a plan, and how our program works.
That’s case management. You’ll notice there’s lot of talking, but also lots of guiding and doing. A case manager walks along with their guest, offers guidance and expertise, and assistance when necessary. It’s a lot like teaching someone to drive. You can’t drive for them, but you can help them get where they want to go.
