Children's Care Manager

New Directions Youth & Family Services • Buffalo, NY

7d • $22 - $23

About The Position

The Children’s Care Manager provides Health Home Care Management Services for youth ages 0–21. Using a holistic, strength-based, trauma-informed, and family-driven approach, the Care Manager coordinates services according to each youth’s needs and engages youth and families in developing and carrying out their Plan of Care. The role connects families with community resources, promotes evidence-based wellness and prevention, supports transitions between levels of care, and helps promote long-term stability and success.

The position is part of New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Health Home Care Management program, which provides care coordination and advocacy for youth and families with complex needs. Care Managers work with families and community partners to improve outcomes in health, education, family functioning, and community integration.

This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position with a flexible schedule. Evening and weekend availability may be required based on family needs. The first-year compensation is $22.27–$23.40 per hour, with yearly raises. Care Managers receive ongoing training, regular supervision, in-service training, and continuing education opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and two years of experience working with youth in a community setting, or a master’s degree in a human services field and one year of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and compliance with agency driving policies.
• Ability to pass an annual physical under the agency health policy (Category 1 classification).
• Compliance with agency safety standards and safe work practices.
• Strong relationship-building, engagement, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth facing complex medical, behavioral, and mental health needs.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing family and system needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with providers, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Cultural competence in serving families from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate collaboration among providers and supports through regular Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
• Engage youth and families in developing individualized Plans of Care.
• Promote evidence-based wellness and prevention and connect youth with appropriate medical, behavioral, and community resources.
• Follow up with hospitals and emergency rooms after notification of admissions and discharges.
• Facilitate discharge planning and ensure continuity of care after transitions.
• Collaborate with providers to adjust services as youth needs change.
• Connect families with peer supports, self-care programs, and groups to build resilience and knowledge.
• Support families in developing self-management skills and following treatment plans.
• Maintain a caseload of 12–40 youth, depending on acuity.
• Provide at least one monthly face-to-face contact for high- and medium-acuity cases.
• Deliver at least two core Health Home Services monthly for all cases.
• Participate in outreach and engagement to enroll new clients.
• Help families develop crisis and safety plans that leverage strengths and natural supports.
• Collaborate with the team to provide 24-hour on-call coverage when needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the Health Home electronic record system.
• Ensure Medicaid and audit compliance in casework.
• Maintain confidentiality of family information.
• Attend supervision, mandatory in-service trainings, and professional development activities as required.
• Adhere to agency policies, standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Benefits

• 105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) with up to 3% agency match.
• Guaranteed raises after the first year.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed care, care coordination best practices, and evidence-based wellness and prevention.
• Regular supervision, in-service training, and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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