Chapter 12 The Case Managers Professional Growth and Development
How to be a good advocate
-Know the environment in which the conflict takes place. -Understand the needs of clients and other parties involved. -Develop a clear plan for the client. -Use more adversarial techniques when persuasion proves ineffective.
Enhancing connections
Building personal connections to prevent loneliness.
Creating boundaries with the client and the agency
Case managers have an ethical commitment to maintain boundaries with their clients.
Open communication
Collaboration necessitates....
Advocacy at the individual and agency levels
Common client problems that may be appropriate for advocacy include discrimination, environment-related issues, agency-related issues, professional service-related issues, and family-related issues.
Inability to care
Continually facing unsolvable problems, unmotivated clients, resistance, the bureaucracy, psychological injury, and lack of needed skills may lead to an .....
Continuing education
Continuing education represents an ongoing search for new insights, knowledge, and skills. There are many approaches case managers may use to promote their continued learning including participating in workshops, seeking mentoring from an experienced colleague, webinars, and engaging in regular supervision.
Aspects of professional growth
Continuing education, supervision, and wellness
Professional Development; others-directed
Focus on professional development, especially as it relates to working in the social service environment. This section suggests that the roles and responsibilities of advocacy and leadership are important to promote the principles of case management presented in Chapter One (e.g., equal access to services and advocacy, quality care) and the standards of the professional codes of ethics (e.g., responsibility to society).
Creating a narrative of satisfaction
Give experiences a positive meaning.
Time-management techniques
It is helpful to know how much time is spent managing cases, providing services and performing other work activities. The time analysis of the tasks of one day, considered in light of the extent of control the case manager has, provides the basis for managing time.
Theory X and Theory Y
Leaders should direct according to their perceptions of those whom they work with. Theory X leaders believe that individuals lack motivation and a sense of responsibility for their work. Theory Y leaders view others in the organization as responsible and committed to their work.
Policy advocacy
Lobbying- an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issues, etc. -It requires assembling resources to support your effort including a legislative team, experts, a public affairs program, and communication with media.
Designing interventions
Making changes in the community is a long-term effort requiring participation from various community members -it involves problem identification and clear intervention development
Community advocacy
Making changes in the community is a long-term effort requiring participation from various community members.
Engaging in self-care
Seek a balance in your life.
First person accounts of case managers
Self-Care Importance of humility, supervision, life balance Ethics Issues of caseload, turnover, staffing decisions, administration Boundaries Issues of empathy, frustration, lack of change Advocacy Importance of giving others a voice, fighting for others
Self care approach to burnout
Self-care strategies that may be helpful include: developing a sense of humor, committing to a regular exercise program, participating in relaxing activities, enjoying recreation, and improving the spiritual or religious self.
Assertiveness
Skills such as time management and ____ can provide the case manager with support to counter many of the challenges of difficult work.
Supervision
___ is an essential component of all professional growth as a case manager. Five Guidelines for Obtaining Effective ___ 1) Identify both formal and informal supervisors with whom you work. 2) Be aware of the ethical standards and issues that guide and confront you as a case manager. 3) Prepare for supervision. Establish an agenda for meetings. 4) Be honest in reporting difficulties or mistakes. 5) Be open to supervision and to positive and critical feedback.
Interdependence
each individual has responsibility that helps the entire group meet its goal. Outcomes require using resources effectively and finding processes that work as well as flexibility and acceptance of change.
Mindful self awareness
helps managers to be present with the client.
Situational leadership
leadership is influenced by individual leadership styles and the specific task.
Time management
planning and controlling time. The nature of the work, types of activities, and uniqueness of each case make time management especially difficult for case managers. The lack of consistent demands on time make it difficult to establish a regular schedule and to plan and then perform certain tasks at appointed times.
Advocacy
speaking on behalf of others, pleading their case, or standing up for their rights. -Individual level: case manager speaks on behalf of client -Agency level: case managers revise policies to better serve the client. -Community level: raise awareness of issues to solve community issues. -Policy level: help pass new legislation or policy, oppose hurtful policy.
Adaptive social service leadership
stresses interdependence and open communications, flexible approach to work. Policy advocacy requires assembling resources to support your effort including a legislative team, experts, a public affairs program, and communication with media.
Empowerment
the activity of instilling the belief that clients have rights and abilities and can solve problems for themselves.
Burnout
the exhaustion and disquiet that may result from difficult or stressful work. Certain observable symptoms related to work habits, psychological and physical well-being, and relationships with clients can indicate that case managers are reacting negatively to stress.
Assertiveness
the right to express thoughts, feelings, opinions, and preferences and to expect to be treated with respect and dignity. ____ is a skill that case managers use to stand up for themselves, their clients, or both. ____ is a balance between aggressive behavior (treatment that is disrespectful and communication that is insulting and/or hostile) and passivity (hiding feelings).
Goal of Assertiveness
to relate to others in ways that lead to maximum dialogue and a positive outcome for each participant.
