Careers: Case Manager

Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) helps Oklahomans aged 3 or older with primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities lead safer, healthier and more independent and productive lives. People served may also have developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome.

Case managers help people with intellectual disabilities access medical, social, educational and other services. They assess the needs of the person, coordinate services, develop a care plan, monitor plan implementation and follow up to ensure services meet the service recipient’s needs.

A successful case manager skillfully prioritizes tasks, adapts to change, meets timelines, likes to work with a diversified group of people and understands fiscal responsibility. They go above and beyond to find the best solutions to serve the individuals on their caseloads and their unique problems. Case managers are willing to learn and teach what they have learned to others. They know how to set realistic goals for themselves and the individuals on their caseload, stay calm in volatile situations, work well with others to achieve common goals and are strong advocates.

• A desire to help people with developmental disabilities lead better lives
• Communication, organizational, time management and leadership skills
  
• Knowledge of community resources
• Self-motivation
• Ability to multi-task
• Teamwork
• Basic computer skills

To become a DDS Case Manager, a bachelor's degree in a human services field includes any degree from an accredited college or university except for a degree in a physical, natural or biological science or mathematics.

Case managers primarily work remotely from home; however, there are instances where in-office work is required. Case managers also frequently check in on the people on their case loads to ensure their needs are being met. Roughly, 1/3 of work time is spent in the field working with individuals.

Case managers enjoy excellent benefits from the state. Full-time employees receive:

• Generous retirement plan
• 11 paid holidays each year
• 15 paid vacation days & 15 days sick leave
• A paid benefit allowance for insurance

The annual salary for case managers ranges between $40,000 and $43,000.