Foster Care Case Manager

Department & Division : Foster Care; Child Welfare Division Reports To : Foster Care Supervisor Beginning Pay Range : $43,888-$48,000 Classification : Full Time, Salaried, Exempt Position Summary Foster Care Case Managers play a critical role in supporting children and families within the child welfare system. They begin working with children following a court order that removes the child from their home and continue providing support throughout the child’s time in foster care. In this role, case managers work directly with children, parents, and caregivers while also leading a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on ensuring the child’s ongoing safety, well‑being, and stability. Their ultimate goal is to help each child achieve permanency—whether through safe reunification with a parent, adoption, guardianship, or preparation for independent living. This highly impactful position requires a unique combination of skills and personal strengths, including compassion, strong organizational abilities, effective communication, and perseverance. While foster care case managers receive regular supervisory support, they must also be confident in making independent decisions, conducting ongoing assessments, and adapting creatively to a wide range of complex and evolving situations. Additionally, this role requires flexibility and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of children and families. Case managers often adjust their schedules to connect with clients in community settings at times that are most convenient and supportive for them. Core Responsibilities Monthly home visits with foster children; all foster children on your caseload must be visited at least monthly. Monthly visits with parents of foster children to engage them in treatment plans that support reunification. Timely report writing, including quarterly reports for judges and attorneys. Court testimony, typically quarterly, to update the court on progress. Commitment to learn and comply with MDHHS foster care policies and procedures as outlined in the Foster Care Online Manual ( Commitment to learn and comply with applicable rules and regulations from Department of Child Welfare Licensing (DCWL). Timely completion of computer‑based and paperwork reporting. Anticipation of a caseload of 13 children. Cooperate and assist other agency staff (i.e., licensing, medical, and adoption personnel) and partner agencies with necessary paperwork requirements. Comply with agency expectations related to general forms (e.g., expense vouchers, service area reports, etc.). Coordinate and monitor community resources available to clients (e.g., school conferences, psychological/psychiatric evaluations, parenting classes, substance‑use disorder, sexual abuse, mental health therapy, and medical services). Attend agency and team meetings, case conferences, adoption planning conferences, and in‑service training. Develop and implement initial and updated service plans, parent‑agency agreements, aftercare treatment plans, and counsel parents in the completion of these plans. Participate in required case‑related activities such as court hearings, pre‑hearing conferences, Family Team Meetings (FTM), and Foster Care Review Board meetings. Safely transport youth. Must be available at night and weekends, in addition to our on‑call team. Other responsibilities will include those set forth in agency personnel policies or as assigned by the supervisor, management, and leadership. Ability to work more than 40 hours per week to achieve agency objectives on a timely basis. Supervision Received General Direction—plans and arranges own work; uses a wide range of procedures to accomplish assigned objectives. Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Qualifications Educational requirements of a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a closely related Human Services field approved by the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing (BCAL). Master’s degree is a bonus. Positive acceptance of supervision to learn and be trained in case management, assessment, and treatment skills. Commitment to providing excellent child welfare services. Child welfare experience is a plus. Experience or training in working with children or adults within individual and family counseling, interviewing, family assessment, and crisis intervention. Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable vehicle always available. Understanding and sensitivity to the client’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics with personal qualities of warmth, sensitivity, and the ability to establish meaningful relationships with people from various cultures. Core Competencies Working under Pressure: Maintain composure and use healthy coping strategies when exposed to stress, promoting a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary pressure and encourages collective problem‑solving. Planning and Organizing: Set priorities and allocate resources equitably using inclusive planning methods to achieve responsibilities and objectives while accommodating diverse work styles and needs. Detail Orientation: Pay attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness by using inclusive, accessible processes that support focus and reduce cognitive overload. Customer Service: Serve others by listening actively and empathetically, responding effectively to diverse needs, and ensuring services are accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma‑informed. Adaptability: Adjust to changing work environments, priorities, or organizational needs with openness and flexibility, supporting others through change and considering the varied impacts on individuals. Mobility and Movement: Frequently move between office, community locations, homes, and court settings; include walking, standing, sitting for extended periods, and navigating varied environments. Lifting & Physical Handling: Occasionally lift or carry items such as case files, car seats, or supplies (typically 10–25 lbs) and assist children with basic physical support when appropriate. Technology & Documentation: Use computers, mobile devices, and case management systems; complete documentation in a timely manner across varied environments. Communication: Engage frequently in clear verbal and written communication; hear and respond to children, caregivers, and colleagues; observe nonverbal cues and environmental safety indicators. Driving & Transportation: Travel regularly using a personal or agency vehicle; safely transport children and travel in varying weather and traffic conditions; maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Emotional and Psychological Resilience: Maintain professionalism and emotional regulation when exposed to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations involving children and families. Safety Awareness & Crisis Response: Recognize safety risks, de‑escalate situations, follow safety protocols, and respond appropriately during emergencies or high‑stress interactions. Environmental Conditions: Work in environments with varying levels of noise, activity, or interruptions; adapt to changing priorities or urgent situations; navigate diverse home environments that may include clutter, pets, smoke, allergens, or unpredictable conditions. Work Hours & Scheduling Flexibility: Respond to urgent program needs during on‑call rotations, which may require flexible scheduling and occasional after‑hours communication; accommodate early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends. Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries: Consistently adhere to confidentiality laws, ethical standards, and professional boundaries while working in homes, community settings, and agency offices. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement DABSJ is an equal opportunity, at‑will employer, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment. DABSJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, culture, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, socio‑economic status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics as required by law. This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the company’s at‑will employment status. #J-18808-Ljbffr