Case Manager

Essential Job Functions: 

• Be familiar with and follow DHS CUA Practice Guidelines as well as any published changes and additions to same.
• Conduct visits with children, youth, caregivers and others according to the frequency established in the Practice Guidelines.
• As a Mandated Reporter the Case Manager must immediately report to supervisor any concerns about the safety of children or youth in the household or placement facility. Also make required notifications to the DHS Hotline and Childline whenever abuse or neglect is suspected.
• Development of youth-centered Single Case Plan [SCP] using an accepted treatment planning model. In conjunction with DHS, review and revise SCP according to established schedule or as needed.
• Responsible for day-to-day management and implementation of the SCP and its related activities.
• Complete timely Structured Progress Notes for all home visits and face to face contacts, within 72 hours of visit.
• Complete all paperwork and other documentation timely and in accordance with the DHS CUA Practice Guidelines.
• Prepare for and actively participate, as required, in all meetings and conferences.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure HIPPA compliance. Ensure that information concerning families is not accessed or disclosed except in the performance of duties.

• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and bulletins issued by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Children Youth and Families.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of children, youth, and families and to cover emergencies.

• Must have own reliable vehicle with current registration and insurance. Transport children, youth, and family members as required.

• Must possess a valid PA. [or state of residence] driver’s license and a good driving record [must be able to get and maintain approval to drive from the Archdiocesan Insurance Office].

Other Job Functions:

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the CUA Support Team and DHS and Juvenile Probation staff as indicated. Communicate regularly and respond promptly to messages.
• Actively participate in all required training and complete a minimum of 20 hours annually as specified.
• Prepare for and actively participate in regular supervisory meetings.
• Consult with DHS nurses, psychologists as required.
• Ensure language appropriate services for clients with limited English proficiency.
• Review medication logs at least monthly or as specified in the Single Case Plan.
• Where children under the age of two are present in the home and for mother-baby placements ensure that the dwelling is child-proofed and that safe sleeping and bathing practices are discussed and reinforced.
• Conduct at least one visit per month at the location where children/youth in placement reside. Document in SCP.
• Work with youth and the CUA Support Team to complete Board Extension requirements prior to the youth's 18th birthday, if needed.
• Prepare for and testify at ARC court hearings as required. Ensure compliance with all court orders.
• Complete Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as required. Ensure that follow-up takes place as needed.
• Complete Ages and Stages Questionnaire [ASQ] when applicable.
• Initiate and maintain contact as required with schools, day care centers and Head Start to ascertain academic and developmental progress. Arrange academic supports as needed. 
• Ensure implementation of Individual Educational Plan [IEP] for special needs children and youth.
• Ensure that children have any required school uniform and proper transportation to and from school.
• Monitor all behavioral health services provided to children, youth, and families on caseload.
• Monitor that medications are being taken as prescribed and follow-up as needed.
• Identify behavioral health interventions and incorporate, as needed, into Safety Plan and/or Single Case Plan.
• Ensure that all case management functions and activities surrounding supporting children, youth, and families including but not limited to applicable Practice Guidelines and Performance Standards are documented in the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) either as a Contact Log entry or a Structured Progress Note.
• Perform other duties as assigned by CUA Director or designee.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field including sociology, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or education, with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of advanced course work to develop specialized knowledge in one or more of the following:  development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures of therapeutic techniques such as social work, psychology, sociology, guidance and counseling, and child development. 

• Two years’ experience in Child Welfare or a related field.
• Valid, timely Child Abuse, Criminal History, and FBI clearances that meet all regulatory requirements.
• Good oral and written communications skills in English.

• Certification [or ability to obtain within one year of employment] as a Direct Service Worker according to the requirements set out by the Commonwealth and the Office of Children Youth and Families in regulation and bulletin.
• Ability to work effectively in a faith-based organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients, co-workers and visitors.  
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.  Ability to learn and effectively operate other software packages as needed and required.

Work Environment:

• This job involves regular visits to the homes and/or placement facilities of children and youth on caseload as well as regular attendance at meetings outside of the office.
• This job regularly requires work during the evening and on weekends.
• This job involves frequent sitting, standing, walking and driving.