Rule 18-28-6.8 - Case ManagementA. Case management is defined as a process to plan, seek, advocate for, and monitor services on behalf of a client. This process enables social workers of the eligible entities to coordinate efforts to serve a client through professional teamwork and referrals to expand the range of services offered. The goal of case management is to optimize client functioning and well-being by coordinating and providing quality services, in the most effective and efficient manner to enable clients to become self-sufficient. The core functions of case management which follows the ROMA cycle are: * Engagement with clients;
* Assessment of client priorities, strengths, and challenges;
* Development and implementation of a service delivery plan with the client;
* Monitoring of the service delivery plan;
* Evaluation of outcomes, and
* Closure (termination of service delivery plan or transition follow-up.
B. Logic models are the process by which case management is reported. These models assist entities with program evaluation by providing a visual statement of the activities planned to produce positive outcomes for the family, agency, and community by assessing the priority needs and creating programs to alleviate the identified needs. Eligible entities should complete logic models based on the top three needs identified in the Community Strengths and Needs Assessment. Logic models provide a plan to address those needs by stating goals and outcome objectives. The projected outcomes should align with the NPIs submitted by the entity. 1) Referrals are crucial to the success of a service delivery plan of a client facing multiple complex issues. If a client requires support beyond the services offered by CSBG, the entity must refer the client to other programs within the entity, and/or to other local/state programs. Entities must conduct follow-up and document the progress of the referral services in Virtual ROMA.2) All contact with the client must be documented in Virtual ROMA.C. Earned Income Tax Credit assistance is offered to clients through the partnership between the MDHS-DCS, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and eligible entities. The IRS provides training and support to eligible entities that sponsor free tax preparation sites. Entities are encourages to have at least one site in its service area. If there is not a site in a county, the case worker must refer clients to a VITA site in that county. This service is provided to clients to further assist with additional income to enhance the case management process. Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4 Revised: May 2022