Foster Care Case Manager

Program: Independent Living Title: Independent Living Case Manager

Location: 548 E. Grand Blvd. (On-site) Reports to Program Manager

Supervises: Youth in program

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for the direct oversight of a maximum of 13 cases, including reports using the Structured Decision Making (SDM) process via MiSACWIS, Child Welfare Licensing (CWL) expectations to maintain placements; attends all court hearings and home visits.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintains proper documentation in legal files for all assigned cases;

Submits (by established deadlines) all reports, Initial Service Plans, Updated Service Plans, SDM paperwork, court reports, and agency specific paperwork in a timely manner. All case information must be input and/or downloaded via Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (MiSACWIS).

Manages a schedule to adequately reflect case conferences, court hearings, etc.

Plans and coordinates aftercare and discharge services as needed.

Represents Federation of Youth Services at meetings when requested.

Oversees home provider compliance during monthly home visits, tracking essential CWL materials (medicals, dentals, educational and compliance with statutes)

Attends IEPC meetings and other educational meetings, as outlined in respective case plans.

Facilitates MiTeam conferences as policy indicates.

Assists therapists in documentation and compliance with therapeutic goals, behavior management and emotional areas as outlined.

Maintains contact with each assigned Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) worker, ensuring documentation is signed and placed in the respective case files. This includes case planning, permanency planning and discharge planning.

Independent living services will be provided to each youth being served, obtaining vital records such as birth certificate and driver’s license.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Court

• Represents the agency at all court hearings, giving testimony, making recommendations as approved by the Program Manager, and complying with court protocol.
• Prepares and submits required court addendums.
• Writes the results of the court hearing for the case record.
• Implements court orders when necessary or follows agency procedures in appealing court orders.
• Prepares and educates youth for the court process.
• Attends and participates in all Foster Care Review Board hearings as required.

Services

• Makes the required number of service contacts to youth as specified in Standards for the purpose of achieving treatment goals.
• Keeps supervisor fully informed of case progress and case status orally and in writing as required; meets with supervisor individually and in meetings as may be required.
• Travels to various locations (homes, schools, places of employment, community resources) to facilitate youth placement.
• Participates in a system of 7-day/24 hour availability both to room and board providers and youth in crisis and to fulfill agency replacement responsibilities.
• In cooperation with the Program Manager, makes appropriate referrals to Protective Services according to the Child Protection Law, ensuring that the agency fulfills its responsibilities as specified by current policies and procedures of both the State of Michigan and the Federation of Youth Services.
• Reads and stays familiar with all Service Standards applicable to Independent Living Programs i.e. Department of Human Services Manual items, Child Welfare Licensing Manual, Program Manual and Master Contract. Applies these requirements to day-to-day and ongoing provision of services.
• Protects confidentiality appropriately, sharing information for the benefit of the client, and obtaining releases of information when necessary.
• Displays professional courtesy by dressing professionally, being on time for home visits, appointments and meetings, canceling or rescheduling appointments if necessary (ahead of time when possible), and arranging for coverage during absences.

Monitoring of Room and Board Providers

• Assists in provider’s home compliant investigation as needed.
• Provides positive and negative feedback to provider parents as needed, offering support, consultation and problem solving services by telephone and in-person as needed.

Training
Attends, participates and facilitates in all required or assigned training and conferences.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university equivalent to any of the following: Social Work, Psychology, Guidance & Counseling, Criminal Justice or Sociology REQUIRED.

Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) Certificate preferred. Base pay $2,000 higher if you have completed CWTI and provide proof of completion

Must be organized, self-directed, pay attention to detail and deadline oriented;

Possess good written and verbal skills;

Knowledge of SDM formats and MiSACWIS preferred

Ability to think and act quickly and appropriately in emergencies;

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written directions;

Ability to work cooperatively and make team decisions;

Ability to write concise, accurate and informative reports.

Ability to identify needs and provide interventions, training, guidance and support in implementing treatment and service plans for children.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Reliable transportation required to make home visits and provide transportation to youth, when necessary;

State of Michigan Valid Driver's License and safe driving record

State Police Record Check

Negative TB Test

DHHS Central Registry Clearance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in any Human Service Field (Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Family Life)
• Do you have a valid driver's license?
• Have you had any tickets or accidents in the past 3 years?
• Are you able to obtain a clearance from the Department of Health and Human Services?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Foster Care, Adoption Services or Child Welfare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38,000 - $42,000