It’s 2023, and despite the reluctance of social services to adopt technology, many have finally broken the ice with tech. Cloud-based case management solutions, data science, and automation have now become a part of non-profits seeking to benefit from technology.
If you work in a social service field such as veteran service, child welfare, juvenile justice, or mental health provider, it’s about time you embark on the digitization journey. But before you pick non-profit software in 2023, here are some must-have features to look out for.
Some Essential Features
Here are some crucial elements to look for in a case management solution.
Based on the Cloud
Cloud technology is the need of the hour, allowing human services to reduce costs, improve collaboration, and offer flexibility to caseworkers. Cloud technology is shaping up the future for an agile social service sector.
Wide Customizability
Customization is another must-have feature of your non-profit software in 2023. Caseworkers should be able to customize the layout, add necessary functionalities, and improve their case management software’s efficiency by personalizing it.
Allow Scalability
Human services in the US are keen to grow in 2023 and beyond. So, the non-profit software you pick today must allow room for scalability to meet your growing needs over the year.
User-Friendly Interface
This is presumably the most important feature of your non-profit software. Catering to the tech literacy level of social service workers and the profession’s gradual shift to the cloud, non-profit software must be intuitive and friendly.
Robust Security Protocols
In this world of cybersecurity threats and data breaches, ensure you’re investing in secure non-profit software. Invest in a solution that leverages cloud security and has multiple security tools.
In Line with Compliance Guidelines
The human service sector globally has to follow compliance and data privacy guidelines. While caseworkers do have exemptions under GDPR, the obligation to secure your client’s confidential data isn’t one of them. Make sure the software is up to date to meet compliance standards.
Features for Case Managers
Now that we have discussed some essential features of non-profit software in 2023, here are some must-haves for case managers.
Seamless Data Entry
Data entry and assessment is the most time-consuming task for a case manager. The non-profit case management software must have automation features in place to speed up the data entry, assessment, and in-take process.
Pre-Designed Forms and Templates
Caseworkers have to churn out many letters, emails, and forms on a daily basis. Having tools and preset templates can save time and prevent case managers from spending time on mundane tasks.
Document and Case Note Repository
Electronic documents are crucial for effective case management as well as compliance standards. Make sure that the non-profit software you’re getting for your senior service or victim services has a built-in repository for documents and case notes.
Scheduling and Time Management
Many social service workers feel overburdened, overwhelmed, and unable to find a work-life balance. Ensure your non-profit software makes their job easy by helping them prioritize tasks, automate scheduling, and improve time management.
Collaboration with Clients
Non-profit software in 2023 must have a client dashboard for better collaboration between clients and caseworkers. This will reduce the burden on a case manager’s shoulders and also increase efficiency in the process.
Mobile Accessibility
The world is keen for applications that offer mobile accessibility, and there’s no reason your case management software shouldn’t offer this. Invest in non-profit software that works on laptops, mobiles, and tablets.
Features for the Agency
Case managers are sure to benefit from the plethora of features mentioned above. But here are the features of human services software that are crucial for an agency’s operation efficiency.
Billing and Invoice Tracking
Non-profit software 2023 must allow agency management to improve their financial transparency by incorporating billing and invoicing features. Now avoid inaccuracies and delays by relying on robust technology.
Data Analytics and Reporting
Data science is becoming more important than ever in the social service sector. A next-gen case management solution for non-profits must have data analytics and reporting tools that can help caseworkers and agencies improve their service, report on services offered and use data to "tell their story."
Supervisory Tools
Management should have tools that are design specifically for reviewing caseloads, progress tracking, auditing, training, and compliance management. After dealing with covid most non-profits are very aware of the need to be able to manage their caseloads remotely.
The Ultimate Non-Profit Software 2023 Is Here!
Do you think all these features are unlikely to be found in a single case management software solution? FAMCare has you covered.
Our human services case management software is intended for use in government case management and the commercial non-profit sector in the United States and around the world. Please come and see us at @FAMCare! We'd love to speak with you about how our platform can revolutionize the way you manage casework at your firm.
