Child Welfare Case Manager

Lutheran Services Florida • Bradenton, FL

23h

About The Position

The Child Welfare Case Manager promotes the social, physical, psychological, and emotional well-being and safety of children and families in partnership with people and organizations in the child welfare system and community. The Case Manager owns and integrates services and supports identified for each child, including therapy, mental health, health and dental care, developmental services, education, permanency, and safety. The role manages cases toward case-plan goals in accordance with Florida Statutes, the Administrative Code, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders. The position reports to the Case Management Supervisor.

The Case Manager accepts assigned cases, conducts timely family and child visits and assessments, and develops case plans collaboratively with parents and other relevant parties. The role coordinates referrals and services, maintains contact with providers, documents case activity in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN), prepares court documents, and participates in court proceedings and case staffings. Additional duties include safety planning, emergency placement and services, diligent searches for family members, home studies, facilitating family visits, transporting children, completing Independent Living functions, and serving on call as scheduled.

The position requires extensive driving and travel, including unexpected travel and travel throughout Florida, and may involve extended hours, nights, and weekends. Candidates residing in Florida are preferred. Training locations are in Tampa, Pinellas, or Fort Myers, with paid mileage for both locations. A valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance are required. Employees must complete required training and pass the Field-Based Performance Assessment to continue employment in the Case Manager class.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field.
• At least one year of relevant experience.
• Must be certified or become certified within one year.
• 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 job duties.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance.
• Ability to travel as needed, including extensive and unexpected travel; adapt to irregular and extended hours; and rotate on call as needed.
• Ability to understand case ownership and coordinate services and supports for children, including trauma-sensitive transitions when a caretaker cannot provide the needed level of care.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Successful completion of mandated training and the Field-Based Performance Assessment.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work preferred.
• Candidates residing in Florida preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accept cases assigned by the unit supervisor and meet with children and parents within required time frames.
• Assess family strengths and needs and develop case plans collaboratively with parents, the Guardian Ad Litem, foster parents, and other relevant parties.
• 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 FSFN within 48 hours and maintain the physical case file in the standardized chronological format.
• Submit service requests and provide timely referrals; maintain knowledge of community resources and communicate with service providers about progress.
• Complete court documentation on time and prepare for, attend, and participate in court activities as needed.
• Arrange for and participate in individual case staffings; complete required staffing and application packets.
• Conduct child safety assessments and prepare safety plans as required.
• Arrange emergency placement, medical treatment, and other emergency services for children at risk.
• Conduct and document diligent searches for parents and family members when necessary.
• Conduct home studies for prospective placements and provide prospective caregivers with relevant information about children’s needs and history.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as appropriate and transport children as needed.
• Complete required Independent Living functions.
• Attend required appointments, meetings, training, seminars, and workshops; complete mandated training and assessments.
• 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; keep the supervisor informed and work cooperatively with colleagues and partner staff.
• Follow applicable statutes, administrative rules, policies, court orders, confidentiality requirements, and safety procedures.
• Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

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
• Generous paid time off policy 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: Entry Level