Foster Care Specialist

Catholic Charities West Michigan; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities West Michigan is seeking a Foster Care Specialist to help children in the foster care system find permanency. You will work with children, birth families, caregivers, the Courts, and DHHS to develop the best permanency plan.

This role requires strong engagement, field coordination across Michigan, and the ability to navigate court processes, transport, and on-call duties to support families through transitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social work or related human services field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in human services/child welfare.
• No specific certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serves a caseload of foster children and families across Michigan.
• Coordinates services with courts, caregivers, and DHHS.
• Maintains regular contacts and participates in on-call placements.
• Drives and transports as needed.

Skills

Foster care knowledge

Court liaison

DHHS systems

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's in Social Work

Job description

Position Summary

The Foster Care Specialist position is responsible for working within the child welfare arena to find permanency for children residing in foster care. This person will work with children, caregivers, birth parents, the Courts, and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to collaborate and create a permanency goal most appropriate for each child.

Salary Range: $45,000.00-$53,800.00

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you've got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we've got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

• CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves a caseload of foster children, their birth families, and their licensed or unlicensed caregivers across Michigan
• Provides or refers the children and their birth families to services based on a structured assessment of the children and their birth family
• Maintains regular contacts
• Coordinates services with staff and families
• Participates in on-call placements and emergency services
• Drives and transports as needed

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Michigan courts or possesses the ability to successfully interact with court personnel and appointed attorneys
• Ability to utilize the DHHS computer systems and other computer systems required by contract
• Knowledge and ability of strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work with difficult individuals
• Knowledge and ability of strong engagement skills, coping skills and patience for difficult situations
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in social Work, sociology, psychology or a human service related area as specified by MSA and BCAL rules.

Experience:

A minimum of three years of related experience in the field of Human Service, Child Welfare experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

none required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values

• Sanctity of All Life
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Equity

CCWM is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.