Foster Care Case Manager

Job Title: 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 support 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. They work directly with children, parents, and caregivers while leading a collaborative, multidisciplinary team focused on ensuring the child’s ongoing safety, well‑being, and stability. The ultimate goal is to help each child achieve permanency—whether through safe reunification with a parent, adoption, guardianship, or preparation for independent living. Core Responsibilities Conduct monthly home visits with foster children and, where applicable, monthly visits with parents to support reunification plans. Write timely, accurate case reports—including quarterly reports for judges and attorneys—using computer‑based documentation. Provide court testimony and participate in regular court appearances to update the court on progress. Essential Responsibilities Learn and comply with MDHHS foster care policies and procedures and the Foster Care Online Manual. Comply with applicable rules and regulations from the Department of Child Welfare Licensing (DCWL). Complete all computer‑based and paper reporting promptly. Manage a caseload of approximately 13 children. Coordinate and assist with paperwork for licensing, medical, adoption, and partner agencies. Coordinate community resources such as school conferences, psychological evaluations, parenting classes, and treatment services. Attend agency meetings, case conferences, adoption planning conferences, and in‑service training. Develop and update service plans, parent‑agency agreements, aftercare treatment plans, and counsel parents in plan completion. Participate in case‑related activities including court hearings, pre‑hearing conferences, Family Team Meetings (FTM), and Foster Care Review Board meetings. Safely transport youth and be available at night, weekends, and on-call rotations. Work more than 40 hours per week as needed to meet agency objectives. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a closely related Human Services field (Master’s is a bonus). Positive acceptance of supervision and willingness to learn case management, assessment, and treatment skills. Commitment to providing excellent child welfare services. Child‑welfare experience is a plus. Experience or training in individual and family counseling, interviewing, family assessment, and crisis intervention. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and reliable vehicle available at all times. Understanding and sensitivity to clients’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and ability to establish meaningful relationships across diverse cultures. Core Competencies Working under Pressure: Maintain composure, use healthy coping strategies, and promote a supportive environment. Planning and Organizing: Set priorities, allocate resources, and achieve objectives while accommodating diverse work styles. Detail Orientation: Pay attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness in all documentation. Customer Service: Listen actively, respond effectively, and ensure services are culturally responsive and trauma‑informed. Adaptability: Adjust to changing work environments, priorities, and organizational needs with flexibility and openness. Physical/Environmental Requirements Mobility and Movement: Frequent movement between office, community locations, homes, and court settings. Lifting & Physical Handling: Occasionally lift or carry items up to 25 lbs and assist children with basic physical support when appropriate. Technology & Documentation: Use computers and mobile devices for timely documentation. Communication: Engage in clear verbal and written communication, and observe nonverbal cues. Driving & Transportation: Travel regularly in a personal or agency vehicle; maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Emotional and Psychological Resilience: Maintain professionalism and emotional regulation amid sensitive situations. Safety Awareness & Crisis Response: Recognize safety risks, de‑escalate situations, and follow safety protocols. Environmental Conditions: Work in varied home environments that may include clutter, pets, smoke, or allergens. Work Hours & Scheduling Flexibility: Respond to urgent needs during on‑call rotations and accommodate after‑hours communication. Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries: Adhere to confidentiality laws and professional boundaries in all settings. 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, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. 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