Foster Care Case Manager- Hillsboro

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services provides the highest quality foster care and treatment foster care, adoption, expectant parent counseling, maternity shelter, pregnancy services and advocacy. In response to the call of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, to help those in need, we connect children with families and keep families connected.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Catholic Charities of Good ShepherdChildren and Family Services Foster Care Specialist provides case management services to children/families in the custody of/or under the supervision of the state agency with a primary focus on permanency, safety and well-being of the child. This position demonstrates a commitment to connecting children to families and keeping families connected and provides all services in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

CLIENT CONTACT

• Conduct regular visits with children in foster or alternative care, foster parents, and biological parents to assess needs, monitor progress, and maintain family connections.
• Build positive working relationships with parents, including those who are incarcerated or living out of state.
• Facilitate and supervise parent-child and sibling visitation according to individualized case plans.
• Coordinate services and provide ongoing support to children and families.

PERMANENCY

• Lead and coordinate Family Support Team (FST) and Permanency Planning Review Team (PPRT) meetings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor permanency plans to achieve stable, long-term outcomes for children.
• Identify and engage relatives and extended family members as potential placement resources.
• Attend court hearings, provide testimony, complete required legal documentation, and ensure compliance with court orders and legal timelines.
• Assist families in accessing resources and financial assistance when appropriate.

WELL-BEING

• Conduct assessments of children's and families' emotional, developmental, educational, social, and psychological needs.
• Develop and implement case plans based on identified needs.
• Monitor foster care placements to ensure children's medical, educational, and emotional needs are met.
• Advocate for children and families within educational, medical, mental health, and legal systems.
• Support children and families through transitions, placement changes, and permanency planning.

SAFETY

• Assess risk factors and develop safety plans for children and families.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency support when needed.
• Support foster parents and kinship caregivers in maintaining safe and nurturing environments.
• Coach families on parenting skills, family functioning, and protective factors to enhance child safety and stability.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, court records, and electronic case files.
• Coordinate services with community agencies, schools, courts, healthcare providers, and other professionals.
• Comply with confidentiality, HIPAA, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, training, peer reviews, and agency events.
• Collaborate with team members to provide case coverage and support agency operations.
• Maintain responsiveness to communications and stay current on child welfare practices and initiatives.
• Transport clients as needed and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and insurance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology with at least two years of related experience, or a Master's degree in one of these fields.
  • Knowledge of community resources and service providers.
  • Understanding of juvenile court procedures, Missouri child welfare laws, and federal child welfare regulations.
  • Knowledge of family systems and the effects of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, grief, loss, and trauma on children and families.
  • Completion of required Child Welfare Practice Training.

  Skills & Competencies Required

  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, community partners, and professional stakeholders.
  • Commitment to supporting positive family connections and permanency for children.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Non-judgmental, compassionate, and culturally responsive approach.
  • Excellent assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to develop and implement effective treatment and case plans.
  • Strong advocacy skills to support children and families within multiple service systems.
  • Ability to engage difficult, resistant, or court-mandated families in services.
  • Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and time-management abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize responsibilities and make sound independent decisions.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on client needs.
  • Ability to independently manage schedules and caseload responsibilities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, electronic databases, and case management systems.
  • Strong leadership, coordination, and relationship-building skills.

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Good Shepherd Children & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.


Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include a criminal background check with other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, and an employment and education or licensure/certification verification. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.