James Brumley's Day: Inside the World of an ACT Caseworker
Each person comes into services with their own unique goals: what they want to accomplish, symptoms they want to work on to improve their response to them.
Ever wondered what it's like to walk in the shoes of a caseworker? Meet James Brumley, an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) caseworker with Community Healthcore, who shares a glimpse into his daily routine. James opens up about the unique services he and his team provide to adults dealing with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.
From securing basic needs like food and transportation to crafting personalized recovery plans, James's work is all about meeting clients where they are, both literally and figuratively. One of the standout aspects of James's role is how he tailors his approach to each individual's needs. He discusses using the Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) to identify the most beneficial services for each client.
This episode sheds light on the barriers clients face daily, such as homelessness and limited access to medical care, and how ACT teams strive to offer community-based support rather than institutional solutions. But it's not just about the clients; James also highlights the importance of self-care for caseworkers. The job can be demanding, often requiring intervention in crisis situations. James emphasizes that to provide the best care, providers must also look after their own mental health.
Despite the challenges, he finds immense reward in seeing clients achieve their goals and improve their well-being. This episode offers a candid look at the hurdles and triumphs of both clients and care providers, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, disabilities, and recovery.