Lead Case Aide, Foster Care - Kalamazoo, MI

Samaritas; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Samaritas in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Lead Case Aide for Foster Care. You will lead a Case Aide team, coordinate schedules, train staff, and support Case Managers to ensure children receive transportation, supervision, and services they need.

The role emphasizes leadership in child welfare, direct client interaction, and collaboration with supervisors and families within a faith-driven human services organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with good driving record.
• Reliable transportation suitable for transporting clients.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Clear, professional communication skills.
• Ability to de-escalate in challenging situations.
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental approach with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Case Aide team with day-to-day guidance and training.
• Coordinate daily schedules and assignments to ensure coverage.
• Monitor Case Aide hours and adjust schedules as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between Case Aides, Case Managers and supervisors.
• Transport and supervise foster children during visits, appointments and placements.
• Observe and document interactions among children, foster and birth families.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

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Lead Case Aide, Foster Care - Kalamazoo, MI

Location: Kalamazoo, 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.

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