Child Welfare Case Manager

Lutheran Services Florida • Shalimar, FL

3d

About The Position

The Child Welfare Case Manager coordinates services and interventions for children and families entering the dependency system because of concerns related to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The position serves clients in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties and works toward reunification or another permanency outcome for each child. The Case Manager integrates identified services and supports, including therapy and other mental health services, health and dental care, developmental services, educational support, permanency, and safety.

The role involves frequent contact with children, parents, caregivers, service providers, courts, and community partners. Case Managers complete assessments and safety plans, arrange referrals and placements, document case activities in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN), and meet required deadlines for visits, records, staffing, and court proceedings. The position also includes transporting children, participating in an on-call rotation, and traveling throughout the service area and state as needed.

The employee reports to the Case Management Supervisor and collaborates with Program Directors, other Case Managers, placement staff, Protective Investigators, Guardian ad Litem representatives, CBC staff, Child Welfare Legal staff, and agency support staff. Work must follow Florida statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders. The employee must complete mandated training and obtain child welfare certification within one year of hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field; a Social Work degree is preferred. Four years of experience may be substituted for the degree to meet the education minimum.
• At least one year of relevant experience working with children, in addition to any experience used in lieu of the degree.
• Obtain child welfare certification within one year of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance ($10,000/$20,000).
• 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 the state in connection with job duties.
• Ability to understand case ownership and coordinate services and supports for each child, including therapy, mental health, health and dental care, developmental services, educational support, permanency, and safety.
• Ability to make trauma-sensitive transitions when a caretaker is determined to lack the level of responsibility needed to care for their children.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to adapt to irregular hours, rotate on-call as needed, and travel as needed.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods; operate a computer and standard office equipment; communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing; move frequently within the office and to off-site locations; lift and transport items up to 25 pounds; travel independently, walk short distances, and climb stairs as needed; and observe and respond to client needs using visual and auditory abilities.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions during outreach, home visits, or community events.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work.

Responsibilities

• Accept assigned cases and meet children in their primary residence within two working days of case-transfer staffing; meet identified parents in time to complete a Family Functioning Family Assessment within 15 working days.
• Participate in Family Team Conferencing and develop case plans collaboratively with parents, the Guardian ad Litem, foster parents, and other relevant parties.
• Visit children in their primary residences at required intervals, no less frequently than once every 25 days, including at least one unannounced visit each quarter.
• Enter case activities in FSFN within 48 hours and maintain electronic case files in the required chronological and subject-based format.
• Submit service requests and timely referrals; maintain knowledge of community resources and their eligibility requirements, contacts, procedures, and availability.
• Maintain contact with service providers and document service progress in FSFN.
• Complete court documentation within required time frames and prepare for, attend, and participate in court activities as necessary.
• Arrange and participate in case staffings and complete required staffing and application packets.
• Conduct child safety and family functioning assessments and prepare safety plans as required.
• Arrange emergency placements, medical treatment, and other emergency services for children at risk.
• Search diligently for parents and family members when needed and document search efforts.
• Conduct home studies for prospective placements and provide prospective caregivers with relevant background information about children.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as appropriate; transport children to visits, appointments, school, and other destinations as needed.
• Provide supervision and transportation for children awaiting placement.
• Complete required Independent Living functions.
• Attend required appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, and workshops; complete mandated training and certification requirements.
• Serve as the agency on-call Case Manager when scheduled, carry an active cell phone during work and on-call hours, and respond promptly to calls.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete assignments by established deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and following safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the supervisor and colleagues, support team goals, and treat clients, the public, and staff with courtesy and respect.
• Travel independently within the service area and throughout the state as required by the position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors
• Employee Assistance Program
• 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
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Growth opportunities within the organization

What This Job Offers

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