Optional assignments for MH-TCM Module 2 (7-9 hours)
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1. Read Rule 79 and DHS Bulletin #09-53-01. Read the Mental Health Services section of the MHCP Provider Manual, paying specific attention to the portions about MH-TCM. With your supervisor, clarify definitions, roles of case manager, and other questions that may arise from your readings.
2. Discuss with your supervisor who is responsible in your organization to monitor federal regulations, Minnesota statute, rule, manual, bulletin and other communication from DHS. How are updates and changes in regulations that impact how you provide MH-TCM services communicated to you and your MH-TCM case management peers? Discuss whether or not you have any specific responsibilities to monitor regulation change and communications.
3. Interview two experienced adult MH-TCM case managers; one in your agency, one in another county (county or county-contracted or managed care organization-contracted). Consult with your supervisor how to arrange an interview with a case manager from an agency outside the county in which you work. Plan to interview the case manager for an hour.
Ask the case manager the following questions:
- How did you come to be a mental health case manager?
- What is a typical day for you?
- What are the most common needs/problems that your clients face?
- What are the most important strengths of a client that help in the client’s recovery?
- What are the most common natural supports that you plan with the client?
- What coordination challenges do you face in trying to refer clients to resources, and in monitoring services and resources received by clients?
- What gaps exist in the community mental health system or other resources that clients commonly need?
- What are a couple of examples of the most unusual/uncommon resources to which you have referred a client?
- What amount of time do you spend in doing paperwork? Do you write ICSP’s and contact notes during the contact with clients?
- What portion of your time is spent outside the office?
- What is your case load size? What turnover is there in the case load?
- What do you find most frustrating about your job?
- What do you find most rewarding about your job?
After completion of the two interviews, discuss with your supervisor what most impressed you, what surprised you, and what differences you identified between the agencies in providing MH-TCM services.
In your Training Curriculum log, record the dates of the interviews, the case management agencies interviewed and then obtain a sign-off from your supervisor.
Retain your log as proof of completion of MH-TCM Module 2.