Case Manager

Come join our expanding team of Case Managers who work with youth in our foster care and emergency shelter.

THE POSITION:

The Case Manager will manage a caseload of Emergency Shelter residents and youth placed in our agency foster homes by providing case management, individualized support, and coordination with staff and external agencies to ensure youth well-being, progress, and successful transition.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage an assigned caseload of Emergency Shelter residents and youth placed in our agency foster homes, ensuring their needs are met through ongoing support and case management.
• Collaborate with the Foster Care Management, Youth Services Management team and direct care staff to make informed decisions regarding youth placement, discharge, and removal.
• Assist with the intake process, establish rapport with new youth, assess immediate needs, and provide orientation.
• Act as a liaison between foster families, placing agencies, and program staff.
• Develop and maintain supportive relationships with youth to foster skill-building and self-sufficiency.
• Work with staff, DHS, and residents to create individualized case plans, monitor progress and adjust goals as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date youth records, including case plans, medical records, and discharge summaries.
• Participate in team meetings with therapists, supervisors, educators, and direct care staff to coordinate youth care.
• Conduct one-on-one sessions with each youth on your caseload to assess progress, provide support, and address any emerging needs.
• Conduct structured group sessions with multiple youth to discuss specific topics, engage in social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons, and foster peer support and skill development with shelter residents.
• Contribute to quality control, program development, and staff training initiatives.
• Maintain positive communication with DHS and other community agencies regarding youth progress and services.
• Collaborate with on-site therapeutic teams to ensure comprehensive support for shelter residents.
• Collaborate with external partners to ensure cohesive services for youth placed in agency foster homes.
• Attend youth-related meetings, court hearings, and appointments as needed.
• Provide training for supervisors and direct care staff as part of orientation and ongoing development.
• Review daily incident reports and take necessary follow-up actions.
• Conduct home studies, renewals, and assessments to ensure safe and supportive environments.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for residents and children in foster homes according to licensing requirements and agency SOPs.
• Participate in the Management on-call rotation following the on-call policy and procedure
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Twenty-one years of age or older
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or a bachelor’s degree and two years’ work experience in a human services field.
• Physical stamina and agility are required to care for active children and youth
• Physical ability to use authorized techniques for the management of aggressive behaviors

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with children with trauma
• Experience exercising Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques (TACT)

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Basic knowledge of Google and other database programs
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to: computers, telephone systems, calculators, and copiers
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Flexibility, reliability, and self-motivation
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills, and strong communication
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.