There is a lot of talk in the media about toxic company cultures. Companies that seem to foster an environment of conflict and bad behaviour. If you’re looking for a new case management job, you may have questions about the experience or qualifications required to apply. Or even the duties and responsibilities of the role. But have you considered the importance of company culture when choosing a case management company to work for?
This blog answers some of the frequently asked questions many people have when they want to join our team of Breakthrough Case Managers. Including what we believe is so special about our own company culture.
The Case Management Society UK (CMSUK) defines case management as a collaborative process. We agree. Our role as Case Managers is to work with an individual and their family to achieve the best possible outcomes. Where not only the end result, but also the process, is a collaborative approach tailored to suit individual circumstances, goals and needs.
We care for the physical, psychosocial, emotional, and cultural needs of our clients and their families. Which might involve coordinating and liaising with a wide range of services and specialists. From physiotherapists, carers, occupational therapists and psychologists, to architects, builders, medical professionals, the NHS, schools, employers, solicitors, and insurers.
In the Breakthrough Case Manager job description, we summarise this as providing a holistic service, “to assess needs, establish goals, facilitate rehabilitation, monitor and maintain the functional ability and wellbeing of your client to the maximum”. Our Case Management team employs a pro-active and empathetic approach, we have made a point of including in our job description that Case Managers must, “provide guidance and work as an advocate for our clients”.
At Breakthrough, all of our Case Managers are experienced healthcare professionals. Every member of the case management team has a recognised clinical qualification in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Physiotherapy. As well as at least seven years’ experience in a relevant profession. Registration with a relevant body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, must be current.
In addition to qualifications and experience, Case Managers are required to have proficient written, problem-solving and communication skills. But perhaps most important is attitude. Our Case Managers are compassionate, caring and kind. Always calm and reassuring in difficult situations, with the tenaciousness and confidence needed to make things happen for our clients.
Some case management companies recruit associate Case Managers, who have minimal clinical experience but are then supervised more closely in their duties. We don’t do this however we do have an excellent support system for new Case Managers. With mentoring by more experienced Case Managers that aims to encourage new people into the profession.
We advertise on the careers section of our website and in sector publications such as the NR (Neuro-Rehab) Times.
Even when we aren’t directly recruiting and advertising, it’s worth getting in touch if you are interested in working with us. We are always looking for good Case Managers to join the team.
Robust policies and procedures are fundamental to good case management. Having adequate systems and checks in place is vital to protect the safety of both our clients and our team members. We have an Outstanding CQC rating that reflects our commitment to this.
Feedback from the professionals and clients a company works with is also a good indicator of whether it will be a good place to work. For instance, 100% of our case management clients and families rate Breakthrough as outstanding. And 100% of law firms and referred professionals rate our service as good or outstanding.
Policies, procedures, and surveys don’t tell the whole story. You want to work for a company with strong values and a positive culture. Our two founders, Annabelle Lofthouse and Catrin May, are both registered nurses each with over 30 years’ experience in healthcare. They have seen significant change in the sector during that time – much of it positive and some of it… not so positive.
This experience feeds into a culture where questioning, innovation and change are strongly encouraged. And while we are always looking for better ways to do things, change doesn’t happen for the sake of it. It needs to be evidence based and fully informed. We’ve seen the danger of companies that change too fast, or those that get stuck in their ways, and that’s not the Breakthrough way.
Positive and important changes in company culture generally now focus on inclusivity, creating a supportive environment, and harnessing people’s unique differences and strengths. At Breakthrough we value every individual, and we are all about championing uniqueness.
“The values and culture of the service focused on striving to achieve the best quality of life for people. This included being proactive and using innovation, research and accessing specialist health professionals for people's benefit."
From Breakthrough’s latest CQC report
We can’t stress enough the importance of being open to questions and challenge. In healthcare it’s essential that no one is afraid to step forward and share their opinion. Not only does this keep everyone safe, but it also leads to the sharing of innovative new ideas.
Annabelle and Catrin started Breakthrough with a desire to build the kind of organisation they want to work for. Built on a shared set of values where everyone feels appreciated, respected, supported, and empowered. It doesn’t sound complicated but it’s certainly not universal. We spend a lot of time at work and as Annabelle often says, “life is too short to be unhappy at work”. A positive company culture is vital for workplace wellbeing and happiness.
Success looks different to different people. And how people want to progress in their career can vary significantly. When it comes to progression in Breakthrough, we work with individual Case Managers to find out what it is that drives them. What do they want and need from their case management career?
This might be pursuing a specialism, such as paediatric case management or complex case management. Or it might be working with individuals who have experienced a particular type of injury, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.
Other Case Managers might be interested in the emerging technology aspect of rehabilitation and working with cases where that is more relevant. Whatever their interest and passion, we will try to find the right opportunities for our Case Managers.
Work has changed. We no longer expect jobs for life. What’s more, there’s an abundance of choice in the jobs market. If an employee doesn’t like how they are being treated, it’s easier than ever before to move on to another opportunity.
We don’t take people for granted. We work hard to let our Case Managers know their input is valued and there are real career progression opportunities here. So, they don’t need to look beyond Breakthrough to find choice and variety. We are flexible and have a supportive and interesting environment. And our retention rates show people want to stay with us.
We are a close-knit team. As 2022 comes to an end, we are looking forward to spending more time together in 2023. We have continued to work well in the virtual world of the pandemic, and we’ve discovered new ways of working during that time. But we’re keen to increase the regularity of our ‘whole team’ get togethers in the New Year – that’s a resolution we’re determined to keep.
If you’re interested in case management jobs and joining our team of enthusiastic and committed Case Managers, please do drop us a line.
