Case Manager

Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE

The Case Manager provides comprehensive case management services to children and families in an emergency shelter setting. This role ensures compliance with all applicable minimum standards, DFPS Contracts, and HHSC Licensing while addressing the emotional, physical, and social needs of children and families in crisis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Process intake calls and coordinate the initial assessment for children entering the emergency shelter or residential treatment facility.

· Conduct thorough CANS assessments to determine the immediate needs of assigned children, including emotional, physical, and mental health concerns.

· Develop individualized service plans based on assessment findings, ensuring treatment goals and service needs are clearly outlined.

· Collaborate with children, families, and other professionals to develop appropriate, measurable goals.

· Provide crisis intervention services as necessary, offering immediate support to children and families in high-stress or emergency situations.

· Make appropriate referrals to community resources, mental health professionals, and medical care providers.

· Coordinate care and services with the multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and legal representatives.

· Serve as an advocate for the children in care, ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met within the facility and in the community.

· Ensure that children’s rights are respected and that they are supported in accessing educational and recreational opportunities.

· Develop and implement discharge and permanency planning for children in care.

· Assist with family visits as requested by DFPS staff.

· Develop and maintain family service plans when applicable, ensuring families are actively involved in the treatment process.

· Maintain up-to-date, accurate, and confidential case records in accordance with agency policies and state regulations.

· Ensure all documentation, including assessments, service plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries, are completed and entered into Extended Reach in a timely and within compliance of minimum standards, DFPS Contracts, and HHSC Licensing.

· Ensure that all case management activities comply with minimum standards, DFPS Contracts, and HHSC Licensing, and other regulatory agencies.

· Participate in internal and external audits and ensure continuous improvement of services provided.

· Actively participate in case staffing’s, treatment reviews, court hearings, and other interdisciplinary meetings as needed.

· Contribute to team discussions and decision-making regarding the care and treatment of children and families in the shelter.

· Represent the facility in community outreach efforts, including partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and other community resources.

· Conduct training and presentations to community organizations as assigned.

· Complete annual training requirements to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

· Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in case management and trauma-informed care.

· Participate in the on-call rotation, providing emergency support and case management services after hours as needed.

· Ensure the safety and well-being of children, staff, and visitors in the facility.

· Follow incident reporting procedures and address safety concerns in accordance with facility policies.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

· Apply the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards of social work practice to meet the needs of children and families in crisis.

· Uphold the mission, values, and ethical practices of the agency in all interactions with clients, staff, and community partners.

· Provide culturally competent services to children and families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring sensitivity to cultural differences and needs.

· Work effectively as part of the interdisciplinary team, supporting colleagues and contributing to the overall success of the program.

· Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance in performing all job responsibilities.

· Take responsibility for meeting deadlines and ensuring high-quality work.

· Adapt to changes in workload, client needs, and facility requirements, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to maintain a caseload of 15 cases (maximum) and maintain compliance according to regulatory standards.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

· Must be at least 21 years of age.

· A Bachelor’s and or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work or other human services field.

· Minimum of three years in a general residential operations, emergency shelter, or similar environment, with a focus on child welfare or behavioral health or prior experience in child welfare, foster care, or general residential operations settings with a master’s degree; or

· A minimum of three years of documented full-time work experience in a residential child-care operation, or related field of child and family services with a bachelor’s degree.

· Experience with crisis intervention and case management is highly desirable.

· Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and make informed decisions quickly.

· Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is preferred but not required.

· Must demonstrate emotional maturity and the ability to handle sensitive and stressful situations with professionalism and care.

· Access to reliable transportation- Must be able to drive a 15 passenger van

· Proof of valid/current auto insurance and a cleared motor vehicle driving record.

· Employment references for past three- five years of work and three personal references excluding family members.

· Cleared criminal background check and signed statement regarding felony indictments/convictions.

· Cleared TB test results (upon hire).

· Cleared pre-employment drug test.

· Working cellular telephone.

· Must be certified or willing to become certified in CPR, First Aid, Mandt (Emergency Behavioral Interventions), and other required certifications.

· Ability to engage in physical activities such as walking, standing, bending, lifting up to 25 pounds, and participating in emergency interventions if required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This is a full-time position, generally working Monday through Friday & some weekends. The work environment is indoors, within a residential treatment facility or emergency shelter, with some travel required. At times, the case manager may be required to work in both indoor and outdoor settings, including general residential operations and external appointments or field trips. This position may involve evening and weekend work as part of the on-call rotation and special events. The work setting is fast-paced, often involving crisis management and a high level of coordination among multiple service providers. Physical demands may include standing, walking, lifting, and managing high-stress situations.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Children’s Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application or any part of the hiring process.

DISCLAIMER:

This is not an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to accurately reflect the current job, The Children’s Shelter reserves the right to revise the job or to require other or different tasks to be performed as assigned. Employee (s) must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily. If requested, a reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential function of their job, absent undue hardship.