What does a Direct Care Counselor do?
Care Managers are found working all over the healthcare industry. The primary role of a Care Manager is to facilitate communication between different caregivers in the advocacy of the patient. Care Managers are often in contact with multiple doctors, nurses, and specialists to best coordinate the directives of each care specialist into a seamless health plan for the patient. Care Managers are found in large institutions such as hospitals and inpatient care centers in higher numbers than in smaller care facilities.
A Care Manager typically has a bachelor's in a medical field, has completed their residency, practiced for at least ten years and has obtained there Masters Degree in healthcare. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Certification is a big plus in the field. Managing multiple patients and their progress can be an overwhelming task. A willingness to put in long hours and be available out of standard work times is a common expectation in the field. Having genuine interest and compassion in each patient will bring great satisfaction to those who seek this profession.
- Schedule regular meetings with all caregivers, doctors and specialists involved in a patient's care
- Identify conflicts in patient care and make judgement calls as to the best path forward
- Ensure all involved are up to date on the latest tests results and information
- Maintain an information data stream on multiple patients
- Oversee the implementation of a patient's medical plan
- Identify problems ahead of time and initiate appropriate actions
- Keep up to date and detailed records on all patients
- Coordinate with other Care Manager to best fall inline with budget
- Completion of residency program
- 10+ years practicing in a medical field
- Masters Degree in a medical field (preferred)
- Ability to multitask while assisting numerous patients
- Very strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
- A high drive to be successful in all endeavors
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours
- Possess a calm and comfortable bedside manner
Direct Care Counselor Career Path
Learn how to become a Direct Care Counselor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Direct Care Counselor Insights
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center“Great resources and it was awesome working at one of the top hospitals in the nation.”
ChildNet Youth and Family Services“Flexibly schedule and you get to work with amazing talent while serving the communities you care most about.”
The Sparrow's Nest Maternity Home“I was working for some extra money and experience while in college and it was perfect.”
reSTART Life“racist work and I was even told to stop sending emails about social justice issues or I could get fired.”
Illumination Foundation“Working with Clients and homeless people who needed help was the best part of my job.”
Catholic Guardian Services“Salaries do not increase annually even if you do exceptional work and have great performance evals.”
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center“growth is limited after starting (you'll see what I mean if you do end up being hired here)”
“It is nice to work in a team setting although some of the teachers prefer this style.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Direct Care Counselor
- Direct Support Professional
- Residential Care Counselor
- Caregiver
- Nurse Practitioner