Hagerstown,
MD 21742

11377 Robinwood Dr. Ste C

Chestertown,
MD 21620

6602 Church Hill Rd, Ste 300

(301) 790 4962

Phone Support

Mon - Fri
8:30am - 5:00pm

Business Hours

CAse Management Services

"Service with Compassion"

Your Journey!

Your Journey Begins With Your Process

Optimal Case Management’s approach to the case management process honors your individuality and encourages involvement by those you trust.​ It is meant to support and stimulate the building of your Community of Practice as we develop your individualized plan.

The Intake Process

Rather than just fulfilling a list of regulatory requirements, you and your CCS will use our 6-step Case Management process as a framework for continuous collaboration as you develop and implement your person-centered plan. While Optimal has set this 6-step process for you and your CCS to follow, we are flexible in our approach to work with you towards achieving your desired goals.

Step 1

Screening

Optimal has a Two-Part Intake process.
  • Part One is meant for people not yet receiving DDA services and would like to learn more about the DDA and how to access services.

  • Part Two is for individuals currently receiving services who have selected Optimal as their CCS Agency of Choice. When we receive the notification from the DDA that  you have selected Optimal as your CCS provider:
    • Our intake staff will contact you within 24 hours of the notification to welcome you to Optimal and collect information about your CCS needs and preferences.
    • Following the welcome call, the CCS program manager will contact you within 24 hours to help you select a CCS from one of our experienced coordinators who will best meet your needs and preferences.
    • The program manager will follow up with you again within 5 days of the CCS assignment to ensure that your CCS has connected with you and everything is proceeding well.

Step 2

Assessment Meeting

  • Your CCS meets with you to begin the process of developing your plan. During this visit, you and your CCS spend time determining your strengths and service needs. This information is used to create your plan in step 3.

  • Generally, these meetings are to be done in person at your residence. However, your CCS can and will make accommodations to meet with you at a convenient location.

  • Meetings should be done within 30 days of initial contact with the CCS and generally take 2 to 4 hours, depending on your unique circumstances.

Step 3

Plan Development

  • In Step 3 your CCS will work with you and your entire team to facilitate the development of a plan that meets your needs and goals. This is an extensive process that may take a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 15 days, depending on the extent of team involvement and responsiveness during the process.
  • Generally, during this stage, there is a need for the entire team to meet and agree on the goals that would be implemented as a part of your plan. For some people, this meeting may constitute you, and your immediate family, while for others, this meeting may include representatives from various community organizations.
  • Your CCS plays the role of a facilitator, whose sole purpose is to bring the team together to identify your strengths, preferences, and needs. She/he will work with you to help identify your goals and with your entire team to facilitate the development of a plan that charts out the path to achieving your goals toward the good life you have envisioned.
  • After the meeting, the CCS develops a draft of the plan and shares it with you for approval. After the plan is approved and signed by you, the draft plan is finalized and submitted to DDA.

Step 4

Plan Implementation

In this stage, the CCS will share available resources with, make referrals to non-DDA service providers and coordinate the development of a support network for you in your community. For individuals who are receiving DDA funded services or have been approved to receive DDA funded services as documented in your plan, it is at this point that the provider starts to provide services. Your CCS’ role at this stage is to ensure smooth commencement of your services. The CCS ensures that the provider has received the approved Person Centered Plan (PCP) and has started your services. On the designated start date, the CCS follows up with you and the authorized provider to ensure that services have commenced.

Step 5

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • This is an ongoing process beginning from the authorized start date of your First Plan.
  • The objective is to ensure that your Plan always reflects your support needs and preferences accurately.
  • The CCS checks in with you and your service provider on a quarterly basis to ensure that your services are being implemented as documented in your DDA Approved Plan.
  • If, at any point, there is a need to change the Plan, your CCS begins the process of working with you and your team to update it as needed.
  • You may expect to hear from the CCS at least every 3 months beginning from your service start date.

Step 6

Plan Evaluation & Update

  • Your Plan is reviewed and updated at least once every year.
  • Your CCS coordinates with you and your team to ensure that your Plan reflects your preferences and support needs accurately.
  • Step 6 completes the circular path of Case Management back up to Step 2, where the CCS meets with you to assess your support needs and updates the Plan with your new goals and preferences.