Foster Care Case Manager

1. JOB SUMMARY

The Foster Care Case Manager acts as an advocate for children and families by working in conjunction with the state and courts to place abused, neglected or abandoned children into temporary foster homes to prepare them to return home or move to a permanent placement; provides professional contracted case management services to children, birth parents, and foster parents; formulates and assesses case plans and appears in court when necessary.

II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and ensure the well-being of the child as well as the birth and foster family by providing casework and supportive services; ensure services are completed for the child and family, following up as necessary; provide referrals to the child and the birth parents.
• Formulate case plans, write case reports, complete required legal documentation, and maintain case records within agency and DHHS time frames and requirements; perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, maintaining files as necessary.
• Represent the agency in court and accurately testify to the progress of cases; attend all required hearings and meetings pursuant to cases, clients, children, and families; make assessments and recommendations based on the best interest of the child.
• Operate within the guidelines of agency and DHHS policies and procedures and the program’s Operations Manual.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foster Care Supervisor or Director of Child Welfare Programs.

III. BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or a related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned toward the degree are in human behavioral sciences with one (1) to three (3) years’ experience in a social services agency required;
• Masters of Social Work (MSW) with experience working in a foster care program preferred.
• Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training required.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, etc.) necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policies and procedures.
• Family and child dynamics.

Skills and Abilities:

• Effectively engage children and adults.
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Attend training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHS’s mission and vision.
• Maintain a Michigan driver’s license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.

IV. JOB SETTING

Work is performed in the office, clients' homes, treatment and residential facilities, courts and work sites. Frequent travel may involve exposure to seasonal weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable diseases and unsafe environments. Duties may require contact with persons who are hostile or abusive, or with children who are upset and confused. Work may involve operation of a keyboard and viewing a computer screen for multiple hours daily as well as sitting and standing for extended periods of time as necessary.

V. Other Information

MCHS is an equal opportunity employer where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law. This policy extends to all policies and procedures related to the recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.