Case Management Aide Occupation Overview
A case management aide functions as administrative support for other human services professionals. They will generally work in tandem with a social worker or case worker to help facilitate the processing of cases and applications. The case management aide acts as a conduit of information within an agency and an initial point of contact with the community. Acting in a reception capacity the case management aide meets the client, gives them paper work to fill out, informing them of agency rules and guidelines. They also instruct clients on required verification of eligibility requirements such as: Photo ID, proof of income, proof of housing, proof of child custody, proof of citizenship and related verifiable information. By informing clients of these expectations in a calm and professional manner the case management aide assists in putting the client at ease and preparing them for entry into the system.
Possible duties include:
- Interviewing clients
- Data entry
- Making limited eligibility decisions
- Filing paperwork on behalf of those they are assisting
- Making contact with collateral sources
- Informing clients of community resources
- Reception activities
- Scheduling client meetings with workers
The case management aid performs a vital function within the Human Services sector by smoothing the flow of paper work and information to and from clients and workers. By acting as the initial point of contact, the case management aide will be making a first impression on the client and begins the process of establishing rapport.
By explaining the intake process for their particular organization they help the client understand the expectations of the agency helping them to navigate their way through the system. Acting behind the scenes the case management aide alleviates pressure on workers by assisting them with filing, data entry and collection. This helps the workers to maintain a high level of efficiency and output.
By streamlining the process, clients are able to see workers faster and are prepared for their intake procedure and are more likely to have necessary documentation required to make eligibility decisions. This can cut down on repeat visits to the office and increase the chances of benefits being issued in a timely manner. This helps both the client and the agency which is required to meet federally mandated processing guidelines.
How Case Management Aide Services Society
The impact of case management aide is significant both on the personal level and that of the family and community. Performing at a high level the case management aide significantly improves the speed at which rapport is established with individuals and families. They make the clients feel secure and empowered as to what is expected of them in the process of determining eligibility and receiving benefits. They can greatly increase the efficiency of their office by aiding workers in a variety of ways that benefit the agency, the clients, the workers and the community.
The case management aide impacts their agency and clients in many ways here are a few:
- Increased rapport with clients
- Faster processing of paperwork
- Streamlining intake procedures
- Scheduling interviews to benefit client timelines
- Clarification on rules and procedures
- Accelerating benefit issuance
Education Preferences for a Case Management Aide
The case management aide is an entry level position and usually has no educational requirement beyond a High School diploma or G.E.D. However, candidates with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees in Social Sciences disciplines will be favored over those without these degrees.
Salaries of a Case Management Aide
The mean annual wage for a case management aide is: $39,6001 (Usually requires HS diploma, Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s preferred)
Getting Started as a Case Management Aide
To get started on your path to becoming a case management aide you want to bolster your resume with an excellent academic background. An Associate’s degree is very helpful, but to truly wow possible employers a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology, Sociology etc.) is the way to go. As a front line person who will be performing reception duties, being bilingual or multilingual is also a coveted trait for prospective employers.