Do you manage a human services organization such as a family center, correctional facility, homeless shelter, social work organization, or one focused on mental health or child welfare? If so, you’re probably always looking for ways to streamline operations, empower your team, and ensure that you deliver good client results. Unfortunately, with tight budgets and small teams, it can be difficult to succeed. That’s where a good case management system can come into play.

Here’s more information on case management systems and what case management tools every human services organization needs to succeed.

What is a Case Management System?

A case management system is a digital platform that helps you organize, track, and manage all the information that is related to your clients’ cases. The best systems have case management tools that streamline operations, automotive repetitive tasks, provide easy access to up-to-date information, and have security measures to ensure information stays safe and private.

When looking for a case management system, you will find there are hundreds of different options. While many of the feature similar case management tools, they all do so in a slightly different way. That’s why it’s important to know what you need before you start narrowing down your options.

Tools to Look for In a Case Management System

Not sure what tools you should be looking for? Knowing your options before you start analyzing possible solutions is your best bet. Here are some of the case management tools that many human services organizations find invaluable:

  • A centralized database. One of the key case management tools in a digital system is a centralized database that everyone on your team can access whether they are in the office, working from home, at a remote location, or on the road. The database should include up-to-date information on client history, services they’ve received or are still receiving, and any progress or setbacks.
  • Automated workflows. Freeing up your team’s time is key when it comes to streamlining operations and increasing output. A good case management system will have tools that automate repetitive tasks, effectively taking them off your team members’ plates and freeing them up to focus on more important tasks.
  • Reporting and analytics. Creating reports and analyzing data are time commitments that eat up your team’s bandwidth. Case management tools that allow your team to track performance and outcomes and create custom reports can help with decision-making as well as presenting information to boards, the community, or fundraising organizations.
  • Case management tools to help with collaboration and communication. Improving teamwork is always a top goal of human services organizations. The right platform provides internal messaging tools, alerts and notifications, secure document sharing, and shared calendars to ensure you’re all on the same page.
  • Security features. Tools like encryption, role-based access control, and audit trails ensure that your clients’ private information stays safe and that all laws and regulations are abided by.

Choosing a Platform with the Right Case Management Tools

Knowing which case management tools are available will help our organization narrow down choices and ultimately pick the right system. When you implement a case management system, you empower your team and ensure that you provide the best client results possible.