Lead Case Aide, Foster Care - Grand Rapids, MI

Samaritas; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 54,443,000 - 57,308,000; Full time

Job summary

Samaritas in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Lead Foster Care Case Aide to oversee our Case Aide team and coordinate day-to-day operations ensuring high quality support for children and families.

You’ll lead staff, coordinate schedules, supervise transport and visits, and partner with Case Managers to maintain safety, compliance, and compassionate service in a dynamic, client-centered environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license with a good driving record.
• Reliable personal transportation appropriate for safely transporting persons served and current automobile insurance.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work independently.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, problem-solve, and use appropriate de-escalation techniques in challenging situations.
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental approach and the ability to work effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer and word-processing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Case Aide team; provide day-to-day guidance and staff training.
• Coordinate daily schedules and assignments to ensure Case Aide coverage.
• Monitor Case Aide hours and adjust schedules as needed.
• Serve as a key liaison between Case Aides, Foster Care Case Managers, and supervisors.
• Transport and supervise foster children during visits, medical appointments, placements, and other activities.
• Supervise children during visits and appointments in homes and community settings.
• Observe and document interactions and share relevant information with the Case Manager.
• Help navigate changing schedules and client needs with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable program, contractual, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving & de-escalation

Compassionate approach

Basic computer skills

Valid driver’s license

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

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Lead Case Aide, Foster Care - Grand Rapids, MI

Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Status: Full Time
Wage: $19-$20/hour

Why Samaritas?

Samaritas is a Michigan-based, faith-driven human services organization committed to empowering individuals and transforming communities. Our work is rooted in compassion, service, and meaningful impact.

Join us and be the rock. #BeTheRock

About the Role

Are you an organized, compassionate leader who wants to make a difference for children and families?

As a Lead Foster Care Case Aide, you’ll combine hands-on work with children and families with day-to-day leadership of our Case Aide team. You’ll help coordinate schedules, support and train staff, assist Foster Care Case Managers, and make sure children receive the transportation, supervision, and support they need.

This is a great opportunity for someone with child welfare or human services experience who is ready to take on additional leadership responsibility while remaining directly connected to the people we serve.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support the Case Aide team , providing day-to-day guidance, leading team meetings, and assisting with initial and ongoing staff training.
• Coordinate daily schedules and assignments to ensure Case Aide coverage meets client needs, program requirements, and service expectations.
• Monitor Case Aide hours and adjust schedules as needs change to support effective service delivery and program goals.
• Serve as a key point of coordination between Case Aides, Foster Care Case Managers, and supervisors, helping the team respond to changing needs and priorities.
• Transport and supervise foster children during family visits, medical appointments, placements, and other approved activities.
• Supervise children during visits and appointments in homes, offices, and other appropriate community settings.
• Observe and document interactions involving children, foster parents, and birth parents, and communicate relevant information to the assigned Case Manager.
• Help the team navigate changing schedules, challenging situations, and client needs with professionalism, compassion, and a solutions-focused approach.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable program, contractual, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Reliable personal transportation appropriate for safely transporting persons served and current automobile insurance.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work independently.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, problem-solve, and use appropriate de-escalation techniques in challenging situations.
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental approach and the ability to work effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer and word-processing skills.

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Two years of direct experience in child welfare or a related human services setting.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or staff-coordination experience.
• Bilingual skills relevant to the populations served.

You’ll Be Successful in This Role If You Are

• A leader: You can set expectations, provide guidance, and keep a team moving forward.
• Highly organized: You’re comfortable balancing schedules, changing priorities, staff needs, and client appointments.
• A strong communicator: You can work effectively with Case Aides, Case Managers, supervisors, families, and community partners.
• Flexible and dependable: You understand that the needs of children and families don’t always fit neatly into a traditional schedule.
• Compassionate under pressure: You can manage difficult situations while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and good judgment.
• Mission-driven: You want your work to have a meaningful impact on children, families, and your community.

Additional Work Requirements

• Ability and willingness to work extended or adjusted hours as program and client needs require.
• Ability to safely transport children and other persons served as required by the position.

Ready to take the next step in your child welfare career while helping others do their best work? Join Samaritas as a Lead Foster Care Case Aide and help provide the consistency, coordination, and support children and families need.

#BeTheRock #ChildWelfare #FosterCare #HumanServices #YouthServices #SocialServices #NowHiring