Foster Care Case Manager

Porter-Leath; Searcy (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Porter-Leath is seeking a Foster Care Case Manager in Searcy, Arkansas. This role involves providing case management services and overseeing the coordination of care for custodial children placed in homes. Candidates should possess a relevant Bachelor's degree and have at least one year of experience working with children with emotional or behavioral problems.

The position demands assessment skills, crisis intervention abilities, and collaboration with families and the State Social Work team. Maintain valid driver's license and be available for 24-hour emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred, with experience in work with children.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with children’s emotional/behavior issues.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with State Social Work to inform about client progress.
• Conduct assessments of assigned children and families.
• Work with families to explore options for children.

Skills

Assessment skills

Small group therapy skills

Experience with children with emotional/behavior problems

Crisis intervention skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Master’s degree in social sciences

Job description

Under the direction of the Case Manager Supervisor, the Foster Care Case Manager provides case management services for custodial clients placed in Residential and foster homes. The Foster Care Case Manager will oversee service coordination for custodial children placed in-home placements in the care of the Tennessee Department of Children Services.

Qualifications

Case Manager I

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in social work or a related field (sociology, psychology, counseling) is required. If the degree is in criminal justice there must be a juvenile justice component.

Case Manager II

• Master’s degree in the social sciences or volunteer, practicum or intern experiences in programs/facilities that work with children and families are preferred.

Both

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children with emotional/behavior problems is required.
• Previous experience with home based services is preferred.

Assessment skills to quickly and thoroughly assess a child/family is required.

Skills and ability to conduct small group therapy is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

1. Liaison with State Social Work to include keeping the representative informed of client progress, coordination of visits and appointments, and preparation for placement.
2. Conduct and present assessments of assigned children and families.
3. Work closely with a child’s family and their significant others to determine options for children including reunification and respite services. Monitor visits between families and children.
4. Coordinates intakes into Foster Homes (as needed).
5. Provide casework services including but not limited to case notes, treatment plans, home studies to assigned children/families.
6. Assists therapists with conducting groups with children in foster homes; provides support with de‑escalation and crisis intervention and/or work closely with clients, foster families by being accessible for after‑hour support, referrals, and emergencies.
7. Keeps the Supervisor informed of any issues, problems and all activities.
8. Advocates client needs to community organizations/ schools /other parties as necessary for the client’s welfare.
9. Maintains up‑to‑date records on all clients to include confidential data, authorizations, school summaries, census, school records, and all significant interactions with the client.
10. Attend workshops, seminars and in‑service training to stay abreast of the latest issues, trends, and legislation as related to child welfare services and homeless youth.
11. Provide follow‑up and related services, as needed.
12. Complete Serious Incident Reports, and transportation to hospital, court, doctor’s visits, and Health Department Immunization appointments, as needed.
13. Monitor client medication administration and schedule refills of all continued medication for clients.
14. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Work in a non‑smoking area.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record; must have access to an operable automobile state insurance requirements. Function on call for emergencies and is available twenty‑four (24) hours as needed for after‑hour support.