National Association of Social Workers

Teaming Up for Case Management

Case Management a Function of Many Social Work Jobs

NASW and CMSA have been working together on a number of projects.

By Lyn Stoesen, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

Case management is an integral part of the jobs of many social workers in many areas of practice. While social workers have always looked beyond isolated problems toward a more holistic approach, case management provides a specific approach to providing services.

Recently, NASW has been working on a number of projects related to case management, and several new products will be released in coming months to enhance case managers' effectiveness.

NASW has worked closely with the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) to develop several products and publications, including a matrix that examines elements that affect caseloads and a revision of CMSA's standards of practice for case managers. NASW and CMSA have also been working together on projects through the National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC).

Social work and case management. CMSA materials note that "case management is not a profession in itself, but an area of practice within one's profession." While not all case managers are social workers, many are, and the social work profession is well-suited for addressing and navigating the often complex aspects of clients' lives.

Case management is a function of many social work jobs, including those in the field of health, behavioral health, mental health, aging and clinical work. While some have the title "case manager," others perform case management functions under other titles.

A case management approach to providing services grew during the shift in the United States from institutionalized services to community-based care, as social workers needed to address clients in their own environment rather than in traditional institutional settings.

Today, case managers may help clients with needs such as housing, health and mental health concerns, job resources and social services. The functions of case management are considered outreach and engagement; assessment; service or treatment planning; resource linkages and referrals; and monitoring delivered services.

"Social workers are ideally suited for case management work," said NASW Senior Policy Associate Karyn Walsh. "The social work approach takes into account many elements that can impact a person's life or health, without isolating one issue and ignoring others."

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From April 2008 NASW News. © 2008 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.