Case Management Overview
Diana G. Resendiz
BSHS/ 405
September 21, 2015
James Reeves

Case Management Overview
Case managers play an essential role in the helping process. Case managers take into account the person as a whole and focus not just on one problem, but also all the other variables (Summers, 2011). The case manager ensures the client receives the most individualized and effective treatments and plan for service possible. The many roles and responsibilities are carried professionally and ethically. The case manager also can use theoretical models to identify problem and cause of the client's behavior. Many times, case managers work with specific special populations and encounter issues that must be prepared to address.
Roles and Responsibilities
Case management primary purpose is to improve the quality of life the client by assessing their total situation (Summers, 2011). It is imperative that the case manager knows what their client wants not only for service but to have a productive and useful life. Case managers develop a comprehensive picture of each client and identify the specific intervention the client may need. Case management entails being respectful to the client, their family, and the diversity of the human experience. It also requires listening carefully and encouraging people to hope and work towards a productive and healthy life. Case managers utilize funding sources to support standard formal services, in some cases, medication, as well as community resources and support to assist the client. They have a responsibility to ensure that any funds in direct client services are being used efficiently and wisely. The case manager's responsibilities follow four basic categories of service that include assessment, planning, linking, and monitoring. The case manager addresses the problems and needs and focuses on the client's issues, concerns, and strengths the client brings to determine a service plan. Case management involves assessing the client's needs and having the responsibility to finding innovative support, managing resources, and coordinating services to meet those needs. Once the casework is developed, the case managers proceed to track the needs, progress, and changes that may happen in the client's case (Summers, 2011).
Theoretical Cause of Problem Behavior
All individuals have unique characteristics from constant interactions with some systems in their environments. It is important for the case manager to identify problems and causes of behavior using theoretical models. Case management requires having a balanced view of the client and their context to avoid losing constructive opportunities and important information to develop a balanced understanding of the client (Summers, 2011). Case managers identify whether the behavior is the cause of an intrapersonal or extrapersonal problem (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010). Each approach has differing standards. Intrapersonal includes use of biological norms, comparison to an optical psychological state, and assessment of personal discomfort. The extrapersonal approach includes comparison with statistical norms and cultural and societal standards of behavior. The conceptualization of causes of human behavior or deviance focused on four major approaches. These approaches include organic, psychodynamic, and psychological in the intrapersonal perspective. The cultural and societal falls within the extrapersonal perspective (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010).
The extrapersonal perspective has a focus on the impact of society and culture suggesting that maladaptive behaviors are an aspect achieved from cultural and social roles (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010). There is a notion that problem behavior is a function of the societal and cultural organization. Certain behaviors characteristics a person exhibits are perceived as belonging to the class of role label. Role expectations and performance may vary from one culture to another. The concept suggests that if a person exposed to adverse social conditions, which can lead to problematic behavior or lifestyles. For example, a child exposed to poverty and problematic role models may lead to unsuccessful predominant roles. There are major concerns about this approach, and significant problems exist when utilizing this approach as casual theory. There is also increasing evidence that indicates highly important factors that affect the development of problem behavior (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010).
Special Population
There is a broad range of people that need assistance in receiving human services. Some populations have unique needs or have been identified to need services at a special degree (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010). Groups such as children, poor people, older adults, people with mental health problems, and substance abuse users may have some vulnerability that places them at a risk to develop problems and fall under the special population. Case managers handle clients with diverse problems such as family disruptions, poverty, physical illness, stress, and even significant psychological problems. Managing cases for children require services for the child and their family that include educational services, well-child clinics, and protective services state and community level. Although not all clients face poverty, it is a common variable for human services clients. Case managers address the poverty problem, and the system serves the clients directly. Older adults also require specific services because they are vulnerable to many problems. They experience loss of physical, psychological, and social normality that can cause problems to arise and require help. Mental disability is a major aspect that requires emphasis in community programs and service delivery. There are also those clients with a mental health crisis that may not have sufficient resources in the community and will need assistance in special programs. Those who abuse illegal or legal substances include addressing the client's social, physical, and psychological problems that may be a problem (Mehr & Kanwischer, 2010). The case manager must be able to assess accurately client's complete needs and be able to utilize their skills, resources, and a range of interventions to assist and follow their progress.
Conclusion
Case management requires a set of skills and ability to listen to each client's complete problems. The service provided allows for not only immediate assistance but also continued service and progress to reach desired goals. The case managers take on many roles and responsibilities, somewhat therapeutic, that directly affect the client's wellbeing and progress. Each client may present with unique characteristics of problems derived from different causes. The case manager has to assume responsibility in assessing each case and addressing the impact of theoretical models as cause for problematic behaviors. Many times, clients may be part of special populations and may require specific resources and skills to accommodate their specific needs. Case managers develop the comprehensive picture of the client and follow the progress, but it is also important to have an equal collaboration with resources as well as the client's commitment.

References
Mehr, J. J., & Kanwischer, R. (2010). Human Services: Concepts and Intervention Strategies, 11th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://legacy.vitalsource.com/books/9781323082270/id/pg59
Summers, N. (2011). Fundamentals of Case Management Practice: Skills for the Human Services, 4e, 4th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://legacy.vitalsource.com/books/9781305163041/id/ch2-P7