Models of Case Mangement in the field of Social Work

Broker/Generalist

Strengths Perspective

This is the most basic model which primarily involves linking individuals/families to community resources.

This type of case management service provides names of agencies and contact information to those with a matching need. In this model there is little, if any, assessment of needs happening and only a brief amount of follow up. Within this model, there is little outreach being done to promote services as clients are generally referred.

5 key Areas to address through resources include:

1) Physical needs (health screenings, housing, food)

2) Mental Health Needs (substance abuse treatment, counseling, therapy)

3) Personal Finance (employment, banking, budgeting)

4) Education (diploma, GED, or higher education)

5) Interpersonal relationships (marriage counseling, parenting, support groups)

Learn more about the 5 Key Areas

Strengths Perspective

This model provides all of the linking to resources that the first model does but adds important elements.

This model:

1) Supports the client to assert more control over their search for resources,

2) Helps a client to examine their own strengths and means to acquire what they need,

3) Focuses on building a relationship between case manager and client,

4) Encourages active and aggressive forms of outreach to locate families in need.

5) Follow up processes are implemented

Assertive Community Treatment

This model does all that the Brokerage and Strengths Models do but intensifies and personalizes the process further.

Services under this model have features such as:

1) Meeting clients in their homes,

2) Practical focus on daily living struggles,

3) Being a strong advocate for client,

4) Limits the number of clients per worker to ensure maximization of resources,

5) Frequent contact/ long term relationship with client, and

6) Team-based approach

Clinical/Rehabilitation

Assertive Community Treatment

Clinical/rehabilitation approaches to case management involve the integration of therapy services to previous models.

Therapeutic services could include:

1) Individual therapy,

2) Teaching specific skills,

3) Family therapy, and

4) Occupational therapy