Family Based Care Support Caseworker

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

LORAIN COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES
An Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Title: Child Welfare Caseworker (1-4) / Family Based Care (FBC) Support Worker
(This is a Collective Bargaining Unit position)

Date Position Available: Immediately

Salary Range:

• Bachelor’s Degree: $49,732.80 – $61,172.80
• Master’s Degree: $58,427.20 – $76,606.40

Job Responsibilities: Under general supervision, the Caseworker provides support and case management services to assigned foster and adoptive families. Responsibilities include maintaining regular and consistent contact with foster and adoptive families through home visits, telephone communication, written correspondence, and ongoing case consultation to ensure compliance with all agency policies, licensing requirements, MEPA Section 1808, and all applicable Ohio Administrative Code rules. The Caseworker monitors foster and adoptive homes by completing recertifications, required annual documentation, and timely updates to records to accurately reflect any changes affecting the home or placement.

The position also involves identifying, assessing, and supporting appropriate foster and adoptive placements, including network homes when needed, and collaborating with internal staff to ensure appropriate placement decisions. Additional responsibilities include participating in supervisory conferences, attending all required meetings and trainings, maintaining compliance with ongoing training requirements, and actively participating in staffings to coordinate and support service delivery.

The Caseworker provides referrals, educates caregivers and community members regarding Lorain County Children Services, and assists in coordinating and facilitating team meetings as necessary. The position also includes completing all required reports, statistical data, and documentation related to rule violations and licensing compliance in an accurate and timely manner.

The Caseworker may assist with administrative support functions, including processing increased board rates and associated documentation, coordinating respite requests and daycare referrals, participating in recruitment activities for foster and adoptive families, providing unit coverage as needed, transporting children when required, and testifying in court when appropriate.

Following applicable rules and policies, the Caseworker may complete all requirements through the finalization of the adoption plan in cases where foster to adopt is the agreed upon outcome, including presenting recommendations to the court.

Successful performance in this role requires the ability to work effectively with families, colleagues, and community partners; maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation; demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and reliability; and maintain consistent and dependable attendance while performing all other duties as assigned.

The Caseworker is committed to practicing cultural competence by working respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages, and appearances in a manner that respects and preserves the dignity of all. The Caseworker commits to adhere to LCCS’ mission, vision, and values, and to agency rules, regulations, and guiding principles.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work BSW, Counseling, Education Early Childhood or Special Education, Criminology or Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Master’s degree in Social Work MSW or MSSA, Counseling, Education Early Childhood, Criminology or Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Public Administration.

3. Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing Assessor Certification training. The Assessor Series must be completed within two years of the hire date.

• Applicants must demonstrate strong assessment skills, effective written and verbal communication abilities, and proficiency in the use of SACWIS. The position requires strong customer service skills and the ability to work cooperatively and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, families, service providers, and community partners.

Work Schedule & Requirements: The agency’s office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This position requires availability for weekends, holidays, evenings, and on-call shifts as necessary. Employees will be expected to conduct home visits, placements, and emergency responses outside of normal business hours. A flexible work schedule is provided to accommodate the demands of the role.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may encounter hostile or irate individuals, exposure to individuals with contagious diseases, and various environmental conditions such as outdoor weather, legal and illegal substances, weapons (guns), unsanitary conditions, strong odors, and common office chemicals such as toner and correction fluid. The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.

Physical Demands:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this job, employees must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods, use hands for tasks, reach with arms, and communicate effectively.
• Stand, walk, climb stairs, and navigate unpredictable environments during home visits.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift and move up to 25 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds occasionally, and up to 100 pounds in rare instances.
• Possess specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must be able to use a computer, telephone, and other communication devices effectively.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Employment Conditions:

Regular attendance is required, and employees must adhere to agency policies regarding time off. Candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check and maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license with no restrictions. Employees must also be eligible for and maintain coverage under the Lorain County vehicle insurance policy.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume

Pay: $23.91 - $36.83 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $37