Foster Care Case Manager

MCHS Family of Services; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foster Care Case Manager at MCHS Family of Services advocates for children and families, working with the state and courts to place children into temporary foster homes and to prepare for return home or permanent placement.

You will develop case plans, complete legal documents, testify in court when needed, maintain case files, and coordinate with birth parents, foster families, and service providers while upholding DHHS timelines and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human behavioral science with 1–3 years in a social services agency.
• MSW with foster care program experience preferred.
• CWTI training preferred.
• Knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee child well-being and support birth and foster families.
• Develop case plans, write reports, and maintain case records.
• Represent the agency in court and testify on progress.
• Attend hearings and meetings; coordinate with DHHS and service providers.
• Perform office tasks, compile statistics, and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Engage children and families

Time management

Verbal and written communication

Professional judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related human behavioral science

Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Foster Care Case Manager acts as an advocate for children and families 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.