Foster Care Case Manager

We are growing again!  Come join the team in our newest program of Foster Home licensing!

Foster Care Case Manager

The mission of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter is to provide a safe haven, high-quality care, and hope for the future to children impacted by trauma.

THE POSITION:
The Case Manager will manage foster home licensing and case management services. This role combines licensing with direct casework to ensure the well-being of children in foster care and the effectiveness of foster family supports. The case manager will coordinate closely with staff, children, foster families, and external partners to ensure safe placements, regulatory compliance, and individualized care.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations and agency standards through regular home visits, evaluations, and documentation.
• Deliver and oversee trauma-informed training programs for prospective and current families.
• Conduct home studies, renewals, and assessments to ensure safe and supportive environments.
• Manage a caseload of youth, providing comprehensive case management and individualized support.
• Attend court hearings, DHS meetings, and medical appointments as needed.
• Collaborate with external partners to ensure cohesive services.
• Act as a liaison between foster families, placing agencies, and program staff.
• Advocate for youth and families by maintaining positive relationships with DHS and other community agencies.
• Match children with appropriate foster families, based on assessments and needs.
• Provide training and consultation for agency staff on trauma-informed care and foster care processes.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for children and foster homes.
• Participate in quality control, program evaluation, and staff development initiatives.
• Serve on the On-Call rotation as scheduled.
• On occasion, travel regionally using a personal vehicle.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in foster care, child welfare, or case management. 
• 21 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a human services field.
• Experience completing home studies and case assessments.
• Working knowledge of licensing regulations, trauma-informed care, and TBRI.
• Proven ability to lead staff, solve problems, and manage complex cases.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.

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.