Refugee Foster Care Case Manager

Bethany Christian Services; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Foster Care Case Manager to provide culturally competent case management for refugee and immigrant minors and foster children. You will assess placements, complete home studies, document case activity, and coordinate with families, courts, and community resources.

The role requires bilingual English/Spanish as a preferred qualification, strong communication, and the ability to work independently while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s level degree in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a Social Services field from an accredited college.
• Master’s degree in Human Services, or related field, preferred.
• At least 1 year of prior case management experience in child and family services preferred.
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally, and comprehensive case management services, while maintaining a caseload in compliance with contract terms and agency expectations;
• Assess potential placements for refugee and immigrant minors, to include but not limited to interviews and home study investigations;
• May assist with home study of and licensure of foster families;
• Complete and document all required reports, case notes, and case contacts in the appropriate database in accordance with the expected timeframes and requirements;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction;
• Attend and be prepared for court hearings;
• Conduct meetings with foster parents and foster children at least once a month;
• Serve as an interpreter for clientele who speak Spanish and translate to English, as needed;
• May serve as a co-therapist, as needed;
• Provide transportation to clients for but not limited to medical appointments, foster homes, and other social agencies, as needed;
• Assist with the training on new staff, as requested;
• Facilitate and assist with providing the on-going education and support services for foster parents, while also attending all education and support meetings provided to foster parents;
• Attend internal trainings and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Serve as lead or co-lead for therapeutic or educational groups;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of foster children in care while meeting DHHS, ORR, and Bethany's documentation and reporting requirements;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
• Maintain effective communication with community resources and individuals involved in providing service provisions to clients;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Verbal & written communication

Caseload management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences or Human Services

Master's degree in Human Services (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Foster Care Case Manager, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Provide culturally, and comprehensive case management services, while maintaining a caseload in compliance with contract terms and agency expectations;
• Assess potential placements for refugee and immigrant minors, to include but not limited to interviews and home study investigations;
• May assist with home study of and licensure of foster families;
• Complete and document all required reports, case notes, and case contacts in the appropriate database in accordance with the expected timeframes and requirements;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction;
• Attend and be prepared for court hearings;
• Conduct meetings with foster parents and foster children at least once a month;
• Serve as an interpreter for clientele who speak Spanish and translate to English, as needed;
• May serve as a co-therapist, as needed;
• Provide transportation to clients for but not limited to medical appointments, foster homes, and other social agencies, as needed;
• Assist with the training on new staff, as requested;
• Facilitate and assist with providing the on-going education and support services for foster parents, while also attending all education and support meetings provided to foster parents;
• Attend internal trainings and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Serve as lead or co-lead for therapeutic or educational groups;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of foster children in care while meeting DHHS, ORR, and Bethany's documentation and reporting requirements;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
• Maintain effective communication with community resources and individuals involved in providing service provisions to clients;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s level degree in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a Social Services field from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services, or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• At least one (1) year of prior case management experience in child and family services, preferred;
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish, preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to service a diverse group of clients, to include refugees or other minority families;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route:
• Varicella: two doses of varicella vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR born in the United States before 1980 with a reported history of chickenpox (verified by an adult present at the time of illness) OR titers indicating varicella immunity OR documentation from a healthcare provider verifying previous infection;
• MMR: two doses of MMR vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR titers indicating immunity to all three diseases;
• TDap or Tdap: Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series completed in childhood, one Tdap dose in adulthood.
• Influenza: one dose annually during flu season;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursueexcellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance(medical,dental,andvision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generoustimeoff(11paidholidays,PTOYour Way,paidparentalleave,separatesickandpaidabsencebanks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employerpaidlong-termdisabilityandgroup termlifeinsurance