Individual-Case Management Relationship
Case managers must be timely, reliable, dependable and authentic in their interactions with the recipient.
Different individuals may want to have different degrees of personal connections with their case managers.
Some may find frequent contact to be intrusive while others may need very regular support.
Critical elements of engagement include:
- Start slow; do not push the individual to make decisions about services and resources.
- Do not assume that the individual will know what you mean by MH-TCM services or that the individual will desire this type of service.
- It is important to initiate a follow-up contact either by phone or by home visit after the first contact.
- If the individual does not contact you on the agreed upon date, it is your responsibility to reinitiate contact and set a time when you can both get together.
- Use a focus on the strengths of the individual as a tool to build a relationship with the individual.
- Be willing to talk openly and honestly with the individual about their illness.