Child Welfare Case Manager

Lutheran Services Florida • Lake Lorraine, FL

4d

About The Position

The Child Welfare Case Manager coordinates services and interventions for children and families entering the dependency system due to concerns related to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The role serves clients in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties and works toward reunification or another permanent placement for each child.

The Case Manager collaborates with families, caregivers, service providers, and other professionals to assess safety and family needs, develop and monitor case plans, arrange services and placements, and support children’s medical, behavioral, educational, and permanency needs. The position requires timely documentation, court participation, home visits, transportation, and on-call availability. The employee must 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 in lieu of a degree is acceptable to meet the education minimum.
• At least one year of relevant experience working with children, in addition to experience used in lieu of the degree requirement.
• 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 job duties.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance ($10,000/$20,000).
• Ability to understand case ownership and coordinate services and supports for each child, including therapy, mental health, health and dental care, developmental services, education, permanency, and safety.
• Ability to make trauma-sensitive transitions when a caretaker is determined to lack the 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 around offices and off-site locations; lift and transport items up to 25 pounds; travel independently using personal transportation; and observe and respond to client needs.
• 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 with children and identified parents within specified time frames after case transfer.
• Participate in Family Team Conferencing and collaborate with parents, the Guardian Ad Litem, foster parents, and other relevant parties to develop case plans.
• Visit children in their primary residence at the required frequency, no less than once every 25 days, including at least one unannounced visit per quarter.
• Document case activities in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) within 48 hours and maintain electronic case files in the required format.
• Submit service requests, refer clients to services, maintain knowledge of community resources, and communicate with service providers about progress.
• Prepare and submit court documentation on time and attend and participate in court activities as needed.
• 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 needed.
• Arrange emergency placements, 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 caregivers with relevant information about children’s backgrounds.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as needed and appropriate.
• Transport children to visits, appointments, school, and other destinations; provide direct supervision and transportation for children awaiting placement.
• Complete required Independent Living functions.
• Attend required appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, and workshops.
• Serve as the agency’s 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.
• Follow applicable Florida statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and Dependency Court orders in managing cases.
• Maintain confidentiality, complete mandated training, communicate pertinent updates to the supervisor, and work cooperatively with colleagues and partner professionals.
• 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 plus 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