Behavioral Health Case Manager-RN (Full Time)

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a leader in a management position this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Nurse (RN) Behavioral Health Case Manager provides comprehensive care coordination, clinical support, and patient advocacy for individuals receiving outpatient behavioral health services. Working within an interdisciplinary team, the RN Case Manager supports patients with mental health and substance use disorders by promoting access to care, continuity of treatment, and coordination of medical, behavioral, and community-based services. This role is essential in a rural health setting, requiring flexibility, strong collaboration, and knowledge of community resources to address barriers to care.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Associate degree in nursing. Bachelor’s degree in nursing Preferred.

Certification:

• Certification in Behavioral Health Nursing, Case Management, or Care Coordination (or willingness to obtain) (Preferred).

Licensure:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New Hampshire (or eligible for licensure).
• Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS) (for clinical staff), or Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis, with up to a three-month grace period after the expiration date.

Skills:

• Strong assessment, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Patient-centered, trauma-informed approach to care.
• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of rural healthcare challenges.
• Excellent documentation and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage complex cases with competing priorities.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience.
• Experience or strong interest in behavioral health, mental health, and/or substance use disorder care.
• Experience in outpatient behavioral health, care management, or case management (Preferred).
• Experience working in a rural healthcare or Rural Health Clinic setting (Preferred).
• Knowledge of community resources, social services, and care coordination models (Preferred).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Care Coordination & Case Management
   1. Conduct initial and ongoing nursing assessments to identify patient needs, risks, and barriers to care.
   2. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans in collaboration with behavioral health providers, primary care teams, and community partners.
   3. Coordinate services across the continuum of care, including primary care, specialty care, inpatient settings, and community agencies.
   4. Facilitate referrals, follow-up appointments, and transitions of care to ensure continuity and patient safety.
2. Clinical & Nursing Responsibilities

1. Provide nursing support for behavioral health patients, including symptom monitoring, medication adherence support, and patient education.
2. Assist with medication management coordination, including communication with prescribers and pharmacies as appropriate.
3. Monitor changes in patient condition and escalate concerns to the appropriate provider.
4. Support crisis intervention efforts and assist with safety planning as needed.

1. Patient & Family Support

1. Serve as a patient advocate, helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems.
2. Provide education related to diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and available resources.
3. Address social determinants of health by connecting patients to community-based support and services.

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

1. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and care planning discussions.
2. Collaborate closely with behavioral health clinicians, primary care providers, care coordinators, and external partners.
3. Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, staff, and community agencies.

1. Documentation & Compliance

1. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
2. Ensure services meet Rural Health Clinic (RHC), regulatory, and organizational standards.
3. Support quality improvement initiatives and performance metrics related to behavioral health care coordination.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.
2. Adheres to facility Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Excellence.