CWS Case Manager - Family Preservation

Job Responsibilities The CWS Case Manager performs case management in the Child Welfare area of Family Preservation in accordance with DSS Policy, Mission and GPS Practice Model. Provides time‑limited interventions by conducting ongoing assessment of safety concerns, matching appropriate services to address identified needs, and providing least intrusive interventions. Utilizes critical thinking skills to monitor safety, risk, and well‑being. Performs on‑call duties as assigned. Performs case management (e.g., contacts, case planning) to a caseload of families to ensure safety, permanency and well‑being. Completes, reviews, and updates the Family Advocacy and Support Tool (FAST) according to time frames established by DSS Policy. Utilizes FAST to collaboratively develop Family Permanency Plans and make timely service referrals. Authentically engages families, other professionals within the agency, and external partners with empathy and respect; responds promptly to telephone calls, emails, and texts. Makes concerted efforts to locate and engage absent parents, relatives and fictive kin to support and join the child and family team. Participates in and facilitates child and family team meetings. Maintains physical and electronic case record by composing clear, objective, and thorough documentation covering pertinent details of case activities per DSS policy and the GPS Practice Model. Ensures all case management activities are documented in CAPSS system according to time frames established by DSS policy. Ensures documentation meets quality standards and captures necessary elements pertinent to safety, permanency, well‑being and case planning. Collaborates closely with legal when safety concerns are present or when a case has been identified as needing legal action to promote timely permanency. Regularly assesses safety and permanency resources, adheres to court orders, submits court packets timely and participates in legal proceedings. Maintains child welfare certification and completes 20 hours of training yearly, including required certifications. Maintains an active routine of self‑care and pursues support when necessary to minimize the threat of secondary trauma to physical and mental health. Understands the impact of trauma on families and secondary trauma on child welfare staff and applies principles to support families. Ensures that personal identifying information (PII) is properly used, accessed, gathered, shared and disposed. Protects the agency networks and applications by safeguarding systems, equipment and data. Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duties/services as directed. Minimum and Additional Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or Social Science. Or a Bachelor's Degree in any other field with one (1) year experience in a related field. Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle. Division CWS – Family Preservation / Union County Salary and Advancement With the recent implementation of the Child Welfare salary plan funded by the General Assembly beginning in July 2021, front‑line case managers and team leaders (supervisors) earn higher starting salaries and receive supplements upon completion of training and competencies. New case managers earn a starting salary of at least $45,721 during initial certification, with additional supplements for BSW/MSW degrees and for supervisors. Graduates of training certifications receive quarterly adjustments that move them into Level 1 brackets and receive at least a 15% salary increase. Annual salary increases of up to 0.50% per year are awarded quarterly for consecutive service. Advancement to Levels 2 and 3 requires completion of specified requirements and results in salary increases averaging 2.5% per level, with accelerated annual increases of 1% to 1.5%. Benefits Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and children. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year. 15 days sick leave per year. 13 paid holidays. Paid parental leave. State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs. Insurance benefits include prescription coverage and wellness benefits; dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability, and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement options include defined benefit and defined contribution plans; elective participation in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program with 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace benefits such as tuition assistance, travel discounts, and other employee programs. #J-18808-Ljbffr