Case Manager - Foster Care

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the delivery of case management services to foster care clients, their families, to foster parents, and to adoptive parents. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of permanency goals and their outcomes which are in the best clinical interest of the client. Examples include subsidized guardianship, adoption, or the reunification with the biological family of the foster child.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the delivery of clinical and case management services to foster children, foster families, and biological parents.
• Monitors the placement of foster children in foster homes through home visits that occur monthly or in accordance with the service plan or DCFS contract. Responds to urgent issues as needed.
• Develops service plans designed to assist children and families to achieve permanency; implement plans and evaluate progress in accordance with DCFS rule and procedure.
• Arranges services for birth parents in accordance with the service plan; assures parent child visitation, and sibling, as required. Receives and reviews progress reports concerning counseling and other services provided to children and birth parents.
• Maintains familiarity with DCFS policy and procedures as it applies to the foster care program, and assures compliance.
• Prepares for and participates in, at least quarterly, Child and Family Team meetings, Administrative Case Reviews, clinical staffings, IEP and other educational reviews and supervisory reviews; provides up to date information concerning case progress. Prepares for and attends court hearings on assigned cases.
• Completes and maintains case records in accordance with DCFS requirements, manner, including face-to-face contact, phone contact, and collateral contacts.
• Arranges for or provides needed transportation of foster children for parent-child visitation or other services.
• Attend training opportunities as required by DCFS or recommended by the Foster Care supervisor.
• Provides after hour emergency coverage as assigned.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• The ability to understand the issues of separation and loss, effect of trauma for the child in care and a commitment to a child's right to belong to a family;
• The specialized knowledge, skills, and experience required to help the parents improve parenting capacities, maintain ties with their children, and develop and implement a stable, permanent plan for their future.
• The ability to provide service in a manner that reflects appreciation for the cultural background, heritage, and identity of each child.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Possess a driver's license in good standing and provide proof of insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A Master's Degree from an accredited program in social work education, or in another human services field preferred, or
• A Bachelor's Degree in social work or a related human service field with supervision by a Master's Degree in social work or a related human service field with at least two years’ experience in the provision of foster care or other out-of-home care.
• Licensure by DCFS or eligible for licensure.