Case Mgt-316

Brian Hensley BP-007

Interview: Case Worker

I spoke with Rick Wisecarver a former case worker at the ARC of Washington County. Rick has had nearly 15 years experience in case management and now is the executive Director of Residential Services for Prolex Inc. Prolex is an organization that provides supports and necessary assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities. Prolex also has individuals with dual diagnosis of MR/DD and mental illness

I asked Rick the following Questions.

1.        What did you find to be the most rewarding part of your work as a case manager?

The most rewarding part of the job was the ability to help others and make a difference in their lives.  To see that my work was actually making a difference in their lives and ensured they were receiving the appropriate supports and services as recommended by clinicians. 

2.        Was it more or less complicated working with individuals with dual diagnosis such as MR/MI

Working with individuals with dual diagnosis is always a challenge as they are already dealing with the issues of mental illness then to add the disagnosis of mental retardation makes the treatment that more challenging but can also be rewarding when you can make a difference. 

3.        What was the most upsetting part of your work as a case manager?

The lack of supports and services and the lack of funds avaliable to assist those with special needs and services that were almost impossible to locate within the Department of Intellectual and Disability services. 

4.       Can you remember and explain the most rewarding time being a case manager?

The most rewarding was when I was able to help an individual get 24 hour care that was living in a home with no access to a bathroom or shower and no transportation to get out of the home due to mobility issues. 

5.        What was the most difficult time like being a case manager and why?

I found the job very rewarding and challending but the difficulty was the system not the clients