Enhanced Foster Care Case Manager

Requisition #: req11712

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

The Enhanced Foster Care Case Manager is primarily responsible for providing goal oriented and time limited case management services to the child in care, foster families, and biological families. This individual is also responsible for ensuring the safety of the client and community while developing a structured treatment plan for each child in a timely manner.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state licensing regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management services to children and foster parents in the program that empower clients and follow professionally recognized standards of ethics;
• Ensure the child’s safety while in care;
• Complete treatment plan and a family assessment in a timely manner in accordance with program guidelines;
• Maintain contact with foster parents, therapists, school and other providers in compliance with program requirements;
• Ensure that all assigned youth receive mandatory services while in care to include but not limited to mental health, medical, recreational, educational, and other supportive services in accordance with the time expectations of the program;
• Provide monthly contact with the program’s treatment team to include assigned staff, birth parents, foster parents, the child, mental health professional, and other necessary parties involved in the treatment plan;
• Maintain accurate and current client records, case files, medical notes, and additional notes on clients, while ensuring all documentation practices and reporting requirements are compliant with licensing, contract, and agency guidelines;
• Submit written reports on each case in a timely manner as expected by the program and regulatory requirements;
• Coordinate referrals to counseling, evaluations and treatment for sexual abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, parenting class, or any other needed services;
• Attend, facilitate, and assist with providing on-going education and support services to foster parents;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, to review case plan and direction and to evaluate client participation and progress;
• Provide training and trauma resources to foster parents on a monthly basis or as needed based on the nature of the case;
• Maintain effective communication with community agencies or individuals involved in service provision;
• Attend internal and external required training and apply newly gained knowledge when providing services;
• Attend and prepare for required court hearings;
• Participate in the on-call schedule based on program needs;
• Transport clients on an as needed basis;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college; Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree;
• At least two (2) years of experience in child welfare preferably with complex cases;
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure in the state of work location;
• Completion of CWTI pre-service training, a plus;
• Demonstrated skills in assessment, therapeutic and crisis intervention;
• Mature and stable judgment as well as sensitivity to various cultures;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a therapeutic treatment team;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Possess the ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to include some evenings and weekends;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also 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;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment.