Foster Care Case Manager

Requisition #: req12767

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 Foster Care Case Manager is primarily responsible for providing case management services for abused, neglected children who may also be delinquency wards in foster care. This individual is also responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the child in care.

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

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide case management services to children in foster care;
• Attend and testify at court hearings, as necessary;
• Maintain effective contact with attorneys, therapists, CASA workers, and/or other providers;
• Maintain current and accurate client records, case files, record notes, and medical records;
• Comply with the reporting guidelines established by the organization, Department of Child Services (DCS), and the court, while submitting all required reports in a timely manner;
• Provide services that empower clients and adhere to the organization’s standards of ethical Practice;
• Coordinate and facilitate the completion of the treatment plan, and maintain contact with all providers to include attending child and family team meetings;
• Meet with foster parents at least monthly to assist with and ensure the appropriate care is given to foster children;
• Investigate child abuse and neglect in accordance with program expectations and guidelines;
• Recommend whether the parental rights should be terminated in a timely manner that ensure the safety of the child;
• Participate in on-call system and schedule, as necessary;
• 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;
• Partner with the Licensing and Placement Specialist regarding foster parent complaints;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer foster 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 Social Science, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or related field of study from an accredited college;
• At least one (1) year of prior case management experience in child and family services;
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of human services as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects that separation and loss, neglect, physical and sexual abuse has on a child;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Adheres to all agency and departmental safety procedures including reporting any unsafe practices, equipment and environment, and takes an active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment or environment through proper notification channels;
• 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 driving experience in the U.S. 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 and Mission Statement.