Foster Care Case Manager

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs; we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better.

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you!

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid training
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with company contribution 5%
• Tuition reimbursement

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed.

Job Title: Foster Care Case Manager

Department: Foster Care

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Foster Care Supervisor

Starting Compensation Pay: $58,000 annually

PURPOSE: The Foster Care Case Manager will collaborate with DCFS, youth, birth families, foster parents, and other identified supports to facilitate the achievement of permanency for youth in care. Foster Care Case Managers will visit with members of the child and family team as required and work to identify any barriers to permanency and help secure supports and services to overcome identified barriers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides case management services to children and families in foster care.
• Maintains and monitors youth in care placements to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being objectives are met as well as compliance with contract/program plan requirements.
• Maintains current and accurate documentation of contact notes, case notes, and client records.
• Coordinates and provides linkage to appropriate agency and community resources necessary for effective, efficient achievement of the permanency goal by established timeframe.
• Establishes a therapeutic alliance and engage families, caregivers, and other service providers in the treatment process.
• Maintains effective, consistent contact with therapists, attorneys, CASA, and/or any other community service providers, which includes facilitating and attending Child and Family Team meetings.
• Prepares for and actively participate in all required meetings with DCFS.
• Attends and testifies in court hearings, as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED:

Degree/Field Required: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related Human Services field

Experience Required: Two years of experience required for specialized casework assignments.

Experience Preferred: Previous case management experience.

Licenses/Certifications Required: Child Welfare Employee License

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Manager: N/A

Basic: Strong written and verbal communication skills, active listening, clinical documentation abilities, organization, critical thinking, and attention to detail. Ability to maintain accurate case records and comply with agency, DCFS, and court documentation requirements.

Social: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, birth families, foster parents, caregivers, DCFS personnel, attorneys, CASA representatives, service providers, and community partners. Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, collaboration, and effective conflict-resolution skills.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: Ability to assess family and placement needs, identify barriers to permanency, exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing responsibilities, and make timely decisions that promote child safety, well-being, and permanency. Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations and changing case circumstances.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Outlook, Word, database management software, electronic case management systems, and virtual communication platforms.

Resource Management: Ability to coordinate services, manage a caseload, prioritize deadlines, monitor service delivery, and connect youth and families with appropriate community and agency resources.

Technical: Ability to maintain electronic case records, prepare court and DCFS documentation, complete assessments, support permanency planning activities, and utilize case management systems effectively.

Trauma-Informed: Demonstrates a commitment to trauma-informed care principles and applies those principles consistently when supporting youth and collaborating with team members.

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required.

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.