Case management roles in resource acquisition
Intervener: It is not unusual for case managers to directly intervene with consumers who may be experiencing extremely disruptive life events and as a consequence may be immobilized.
Loss of housing, the death or departure of a significant other or loss of income frequently precipitate temporary or episodic crisis.
Instructor: This role involves staff working directly with consumers developing skills which will enable them to become their own case managers so they can access needed services through direct suggestions and modeling.
Guide: The case manager works with the individual to identify the resources or entitlements that the consumer requires fulfilling their needs and guides the individual through the process of resource acquisition. Includes providing information and helping the consumer exercise problem-solving skills, modeling ways to work with providers or program representatives and staying with the consumer during the negotiation process to offer support and the possibility of later performance feedback.
Information specialist: Case managers can facilitate resource acquisition by helping consumers gain access to the specialized knowledge of human services, benefits systems and other opportunities. In this role, the case manager helps the consumer problem-solve and makes available their knowledge of community resources, appeals processes and contact persons.