Foster Care/Adoption Case Manager

MCHS Family of Services; Redford Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

MCHS Family of Services in Michigan seeks a dedicated Foster Care Case Manager to oversee the well-being of children, coordinate services for families, and prepare case plans. You will document progress, file reports, and collaborate with DHHS to meet requirements.

The role requires a Bachelor's in social work or related field with 1–3 years in social services; MSW preferred. Travel to client homes, courts, and facilities; strong written and verbal communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field required.
• 1–3 years of experience in a social services agency required.
• MSW preferred for advanced casework responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure the well-being of the child and family; provide casework and referrals.
• Formulate case plans, write reports, and maintain records per DHHS timelines.
• Represent the agency in court and testify on case progress; make recommendations.
• Operate within agency and DHHS policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector and MCHS mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foster Care Supervisor or Director of Child Welfare Programs.

Skills

Engage children/adults

Time management

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal relationships

Professional judgment

Confidential documentation

Training/certifications

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in human behavioral sciences

MSW preferred

Tools

Windows

MS Office

Internet applications

Job description

by working in conjunction with the state and courts to place abused, neglected or abandoned children into temporary foster homes to prepare them to return home or move to a permanent placement; provides professional contracted case management services to children, birth parents, and foster parents; formulates and assesses case plans and appears in court when necessary.

II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and ensure the well-being of the child as well as the birth and foster family by providing casework and supportive services; ensure services are completed for the child and family, following up as necessary; provide referrals to the child and the birth parents.
• Formulate case plans, write case reports, complete required legal documentation, and maintain case records within agency and DHHS time frames and requirements; perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, maintaining files as necessary.
• Represent the agency in court and accurately testify to the progress of cases; attend all required hearings and meetings pursuant to cases, clients, children, and families; make assessments and recommendations based on the best interest of the child.
• Operate within the guidelines of agency and DHHS policies and procedures and the programs Operations Manual.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHSs mission and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foster Care Supervisor or Director of Child Welfare Programs.

III. BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or a related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavioral sciences with one (1) to three (3) years experience in a social services agency required. Masters of Social Work (MSW) with experience working in a foster care program preferred.

Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training preferred.

Knowledge Requirements: Computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, etc.) necessary to perform the duties of the position. Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policies and procedures. Family and child dynamics.

Skills and Abilities: Effectively engage children and adults. Manage time and multiple priorities; meet deadlines. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public. Exercise professional judgment in making decisions. Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation. Attend training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses. Maintain a Michigan drivers license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.

IV. JOB SETTING

Work is performed in the office, clients' homes, treatment and residential facilities, courts and work sites.

Frequent travel may involve exposure to seasonal weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable diseases and unsafe environments.

Duties may require contact with persons who are hostile or abusive, or with children who are upset and confused.

Work may involve operation of a keyboard and viewing a computer screen for multiple hours daily as well as sitting and standing for extended periods of time as necessary.

V. Other Information

MCHS is an equal opportunity employer where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law. This policy extends to all policies and procedures related to the recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Furthermore, this description is a summary of the responsibilities, duties, skills, experience abilities, and qualifications associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be changed at any time at the discretion of the CEO. Employment is still considered at-will in which MCHS or the employee may with or without notice, with or without reason terminate employment. MCHS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.