Employment Services Case Manager

The OPARC Mission

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CASE MANAGER

General Statement of Function:

The Employment Services Case Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing person-centered services for assigned Oparc participants through the development and implementation of Person-Centered Plans (PCP) and Individual Habilitation Service Plans (IHSP). In Employment Services, this role facilitates ongoing assessment and progress monitoring, and maintenance of accurate and compliant records in accordance with Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) and CARF standards. Deliver personalized, high-quality services through regular participant engagement, site visits, and close interdisciplinary collaboration with families, care providers, Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation partners. Provide advocacy, guidance, resource coordination, solution-focused support to remove barriers, and promote skill development to help participants achieve greater independence and gain meaningful employment.

Essential Functions:

Participant Services

• Manage a participant caseload of approximately 45 participants.

• Develop Person Centered Plans (PCP) and One-Page Descriptions or use the existing PCP to guide the direction of the program. Based on the PCP, develop the Individual Habilitation Service Plan (IHSP) and other assessment forms in collaboration with assigned participants and other support team members.

• Coordinate, gather information for, and document meetings on an annual, semi-annual, and quarterly basis. Hold meetings with participants and support team members to discuss and review progress on objectives.

• Coordinate and conduct visits to Individual Placements, ensuring regular observation and meaningful engagement with assigned participants, totaling a minimum of 10 hours each month.

• Monitor participants’ progress notes to ensure accurate tracking of goals and identify any issues or inconsistencies in documentation.

• Maintain participant records in accordance with Oparc, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) standards.

• Complete a Special Incident Report (SIR), Incident Report (IR), Observation Report, and APS Report for incidents as required.

• Assist management with the response implementation to participant advocacy findings.

• Assist participants with concerns relating to their daily activities and needs. Provide counseling, advocacy, and act as a liaison between care providers, Regional Center staff, Oparc staff, and peers.

• Utilize participant feedback and satisfaction data to evaluate service quality and report actionable insights to management, focusing on staff effectiveness and continuous improvement opportunities. Complete all exit paperwork for participants no longer receiving services and conduct a 6-month follow-up on their status from the date of exit.

• Assist participants interested in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) with completing Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) applications, including gathering and requesting required documentation (e.g., DS1968), and coordinating with support teams to ensure timely and accurate submission.

• Ensure all service authorizations are accurate, current, and obtained in a timely manner for all services provided, including SEP Group, Individual Placement (IP) Job Coaching, Tailored Day Services (TDS), Transportation, Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and Paid Internship Program (PIP) incentives, PIP wages and Job Coaching. Proactively monitor authorization timelines and coordinate requests for updates, revisions, and terminations as needed to ensure uninterrupted, compliant service delivery.

• Track participation for individuals in hybrid programs to ensure SEP Group attendance remains within authorized service levels; monitor usage regularly and coordinate adjustments as needed to prevent overutilization and maintain compliance with authorization limits.

• Ensure appropriate coverage for assigned SEP Groups by securing qualified substitutes as needed and maintain clear communication and coordination regarding participant transportation and individualized support plans. Verify that assigned worksite description is in place for each job site and that job assignments align with the participant’s skills, abilities, and overall fit.

• Perform program intakes as assigned, develop recommendations based on assessment outcomes, and obtain and verify all required documentation, including employment forms (I-9, W-4) and validation of eligibility to work (such as government-issued identification and Social Security card).

• When conducting SEP Group intakes, assess participant readiness and suitability for group placement, ensuring alignment with worksite requirements and work descriptions. Review expectations with the participant, confirm understanding, obtain a signed work description, and ensure the complete onboarding packet is received prior to participation.

• Facilitate Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings as needed to assess changes in the individual’s condition, address emerging concerns, coordinate services, and ensure the program continues to meet the individual’s needs.

• When applicable, transport individuals to and from worksites or community settings while strictly adhering to Oparc vehicle safety protocols, traffic laws, and best safety practices.

• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of Oparc issued property, tools, and equipment.

• Provide 1:1 training and assistance to participants as needed and/or assigned.

• Provide ongoing input to management to evaluate whether participant employment activities are appropriate, effective, and aligned with individual capabilities and program objectives, advocating changes as needed.

• Provide benefits counseling and resources as needed.

• Attend New Start Meetings to ensure all parties have the information needed for a successful start, to include the completion of an orientation checklist.

• Successfully support a diverse caseload comprised of participants from Supported Employment Groups (SE), Individual Placements (IP), Paid Internship (PIP), Adult Work Experience (AWE), and Tailored Day Services (TDS).

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or a related field preferred. At least one year of experience in disability services, habilitation, or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications required; training may be provided for candidates who do not currently hold certification.

• Demonstrates competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook); applies basic behavior modification techniques; maintains strong grammar and spelling skills; and performs accurate filing, recordkeeping, and confidentiality compliance.

• Knowledge of Title 17, DOR, DDS, Regional Center, and FLSA regulations.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing program needs. Exhibits sound critical thinking and decision-making skills to assess situations, resolve challenges effectively, and implement practical solutions, while maintaining flexibility and professionalism in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

• Must be at least 21 years of age with 2 years driving experience and possess a valid California driver’s license, maintain a clean driving record, and provide proof of current vehicle insurance and registration. Must have access to safe, reliable transportation that meets all required vehicle safety inspections and standards. Able to transport program participants in a personal vehicle is required.

Work Environment Requirements:

• Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.

• Able to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.

• Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.

• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.

• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending and pulling required.

• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.

• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer's labeled instructions.

• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of Oparc issued property, tools, and equipment.

Location: OPARC - Montclair, California

Reports To: Senior Case Manager

Schedule: 8 hours per day (actual times may vary), Monday through Friday, includes ½ hour unpaid lunch