Child Welfare Case Manager

Lutheran Services Florida • Tampa, FL

22h

About The Position

The Child Welfare Case Manager provides full wraparound case management services to LSF clients and families, builds relationships with them, and upholds the agency’s core values. The role manages cases toward reunification or another permanency goal for children, coordinating services and supports while complying with Florida statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders.

The Case Manager works directly with children, parents, caregivers, service providers, courts, and community partners. Responsibilities include assessing child safety and family functioning; developing and monitoring case plans and safety plans; arranging placements, services, and visits; maintaining timely and accurate case records; and participating in court proceedings and case staffings. The position requires travel, adaptability to irregular hours, and scheduled on-call availability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field; a Social Work degree is preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience working with children.
• Must 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 for job duties.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance ($10,000/$20,000).
• Ability to travel as needed, adapt to irregular hours, and rotate on-call as needed.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to manage case ownership and coordinate identified services and supports, including therapy, mental health, health and dental care, developmental services, education, permanency, and safety.
• Ability to make trauma-sensitive transitions when a caretaker lacks the level of responsibility needed to care for a child.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work.

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.
• Develop case plans collaboratively with parents, the Guardian Ad Litem, foster parents, and other relevant parties, using identified strengths, needs, circumstances, assessments, and other relevant information.
• Visit children in their primary residence at the required frequency, no less than once every 25 days, including at least one unannounced visit each quarter.
• Document case activities in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) within 48 hours and maintain the electronic case file in the required chronological and subject-based format.
• Submit service requests to the lead agency, make timely client referrals, maintain knowledge of community resources and eligibility requirements, and coordinate with service providers.
• Maintain regular contact with service providers and document service progress in FSFN.
• Complete and submit court documentation within required time frames; 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 services for children at risk.
• Conduct and document diligent searches for parents and family members when required.
• Conduct home studies for prospective placements as required and provide prospective caregivers with relevant medical, psychological, behavioral, and educational information about children.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as needed and appropriate; transport children as needed and directly supervise children awaiting placement.
• Complete required Independent Living functions.
• Attend required appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, and workshops; complete mandated training to obtain and maintain child welfare certification and LSF training requirements.
• Serve as agency on-call Case Manager as scheduled, carry an active cell phone during regular and on-call hours, and respond immediately to calls.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete assignments by established deadlines; communicate relevant activities, issues, events, and potential problems to the supervisor.
• Treat customers, the public, and staff with courtesy and respect; communicate effectively; work cooperatively with others; follow safety practices; and adhere to confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1x 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

What This Job Offers

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