Child Welfare Case Manager

Lutheran Services Florida • Tampa, FL

15h

About The Position

The Child Welfare Case Manager provides wraparound case management services to LSF clients and families, builds relationships with them, and works in accordance with the agency’s core values. The role manages cases toward reunification or another permanency outcome for children, coordinating services and supports that address safety, health, behavioral, developmental, educational, and permanency needs. The Case Manager is responsible for timely family and child visits, assessments, case planning, documentation, referrals, court participation, and coordination with caregivers, providers, and child welfare partners. The position also involves emergency response, on-call duties, and travel as needed. The Case Manager reports to the Case Management Supervisor and follows Florida statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field; a degree in Social Work is preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience working with children.
• Obtain child welfare certification within one year of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with and ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to drive locally and throughout Florida in connection with the position.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance of $10,000/$20,000.
• Ability to travel as needed, adapt to irregular hours, maintain flexibility for on-call rotations, and maintain a high level of energy.
• Ability to manage case ownership and coordinate all identified services and supports for each child, including therapy, mental health, health and dentistry, developmental services, educational support, permanency, and safety.
• Ability to support trauma-sensitive transitions when a caretaker lacks the responsibility needed to care for their children.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Adhere to confidentiality rules and established safety procedures; complete mandated training and meet LSF training requirements.
• Undergo employment background screening as required by Florida law.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work.
• Experience as a law enforcement officer, first responder, military service member, teacher, health care practitioner, or emergency management professional.

Responsibilities

• Accept assigned cases and meet with children in their primary residence within two working days of ITR staffing; meet with identified parents in time to complete a Family Assessment within 15 working days of ITR staffing.
• Develop case plans collaboratively with parents, the Guardian Ad Litem, foster parents, and other relevant parties, using identified family strengths and needs, circumstances bringing the family into care, behavioral health assessments, and other relevant information.
• Visit children in their primary residence at the required frequency, at least once every 25 days, including at least one unannounced visit each quarter.
• Enter case activity into the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) within 48 hours and maintain the electronic case file in chronological and subject order according to guidelines.
• Submit service requests to the lead agency, make timely client referrals, maintain knowledge of community resources and eligibility, and maintain contact with providers while documenting service progress in FSFN.
• Complete and submit court documents within required time frames; prepare for, attend, and participate in court activities as necessary.
• Arrange and participate in case staffings; complete required staffing and application packets.
• Conduct initial and ongoing child safety and family functioning assessments and prepare safety plans as needed.
• Arrange emergency placements, medical treatment, and other emergency services for children at risk.
• Search diligently for parents and family members when needed and document efforts; conduct home studies for prospective placements as required.
• Provide prospective caregivers with relevant medical, psychological, behavioral, and educational information about children as needed.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as appropriate; transport children as needed; directly supervise children awaiting placement.
• Complete required Independent Living functions.
• Attend required appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, and workshops; complete mandated training and maintain child welfare certification requirements.
• Serve as agency on-call Case Manager when scheduled, carry an active cell phone during scheduled work and on-call hours, and respond immediately to calls.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete assignments by established deadlines; keep the supervisor informed and communicate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• Follow confidentiality requirements, established safety practices, and applicable Florida statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid time off starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees may have a different paid-time-off and holiday schedule.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match, or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level