Transitional Foster Care Case Manager

Requisition #: req12810

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.

As an Unaccompanied Children (UC) Transitional Foster Care Case Manager, you will be primarily responsible for providing casework and supportive services to children in foster care, foster families, and biological families referred to Refugee and Immigrant Services TFC program.

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

• Complete trauma-focused initial intake assessment within 24 hours of arrival and ensure youth feel safe and are well orientated to the agency and foster home;
• Promptly coordinate contact of youth sponsors immediately upon arrival, while also ensuring the sponsor obtains all applicable documentation such as the Family Reunification Packet (FRP);
• Identify a sponsor by working with the consulate or equivalent resources to assign a sponsor for the youth, if unknown upon youth’s arrival;
• Effectively utilize a trauma-focused lens to complete the FRP in a timely manner to ensure youth’s safe release;
• 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;
• Maintain accurate, and current information on foster children in care, while ensuring ORR and Bethany’s internal documentation practices and reporting requirements are met;
• Effectively lead the treatment team in conjunction with the youth’s therapist;
• Actively participate in weekly staff meetings with the treatment team and stakeholders;
• 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;
• Co-lead education group sessions in conjunction with educational staff;
• Assist the licensing team in ensuring foster families are well trained and equipped to support the UC’s in their home;
• Schedule meetings with foster parents and foster children in the foster home on at least a monthly basis and address any concerns in service delivery;
• Translate both written and verbal communication for program clientele and staff, if bi- lingual;
• Maintain effective communication with community agencies or individuals involved in service provision;
• Attend internal and external training and apply newly gained knowledge in providing services;
• Attend and prepare for required court hearings (if applicable);
• 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 level degree in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a Social Services field from an accredited college;
• Child welfare and/or case management experience is strongly preferred;
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree;
• Bi-lingual English and Spanish, prior experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred;
• Mature and stable judgment as well as sensitivity to various cultures and the unique history of refugees;
• 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 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;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.