Foster Care Case Manager- Farmington

Archdiocese of St. Louis•University City, MO

About The Position

The Catholic Charities Good Shepherd Children and Family Services Foster Care Specialist provides case management to children and families in the custody of, or under the supervision of, the state agency, with a primary focus on child permanency, safety, and well-being. The position coordinates and advocates for children and families involved in the foster care system, helping achieve safe, stable, and permanent family outcomes while ensuring legal, documentation, and service requirements are met. Services are provided in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the agency’s commitment to connecting children with families and keeping families connected. The role includes regular contact with children, foster parents, and biological families; permanency planning and coordination; assessment and support of child and family well-being; safety planning and crisis response; case documentation; and collaboration with courts, schools, providers, and community agencies. The position involves significant community-based work and transportation of clients. Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend availability when needed, is required. Candidates must have a valid driver's license, a reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance. Other duties may be assigned as needed. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology and have at least two years of related experience, or hold a master's degree in one of those fields. Completion of Child Welfare Practice Training is required. Candidates should know community resources, Missouri and federal child welfare laws, juvenile court processes, and child welfare practices, and understand family dynamics and issues including trauma, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, grief, and loss. Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening, which includes a criminal background check and other checks as needed, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screening, and employment and education or licensure/certification verification. Certain positions may also require a physical examination, tuberculosis screening, and Hepatitis A screening. Good Shepherd Children & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology with at least two years of related experience, or a master's degree in one of these fields.
Completion of Child Welfare Practice Training.
Knowledge of community resources, Missouri and federal child welfare laws, juvenile court processes, and child welfare practices.
Understanding of family dynamics, trauma, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, grief, and loss.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to engage effectively with children, families, community stakeholders, and professional partners.
Commitment to helping every child achieve a safe and permanent family connection.
Strong assessment, case planning, and treatment planning abilities.
Ability to advocate effectively for children and families.
Skills in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and managing challenging family situations.
Non-judgmental, culturally competent approach to working with diverse populations.
Strong teamwork, leadership, organization, and planning skills.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities and make sound independent decisions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.
Ability to engage resistant, hostile, or non-compliant families while maintaining professional relationships.
Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend availability when needed.
Ability to independently manage workload and meet agency and client needs within established work-hour guidelines.
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screening.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular visits with children in foster care, foster parents, and biological families.
Build relationships with parents and family members, including those who are incarcerated or live out of state.
Facilitate parent-child and sibling visits and maintain family connections.
Lead Family Support Team (FST) and Permanency Planning Review Team (PPRT) meetings.
Develop and monitor permanency plans, including reunification, guardianship, or adoption options.
Coordinate services, complete required paperwork, attend court hearings, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Conduct family-finding efforts and involve relatives as potential placement resources.
Assess children's and families' emotional, developmental, educational, and social needs.
Develop and implement case plans based on identified needs.
Monitor placements and advocate for services through schools, healthcare providers, courts, and community agencies.
Support children and families during life transitions and placement changes.
Assess risks and develop safety plans.
Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies.
Help caregivers create safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
Coach families to strengthen parenting skills and family functioning.
Maintain accurate case records and documentation in required systems.
Prepare court reports, case plans, referrals, and other required reports.
Ensure compliance with confidentiality, HIPAA, agency policies, and state regulations.
Work with courts, schools, mental health providers, medical professionals, and community agencies.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, peer reviews, and agency events.
Assist with team coverage and recruitment efforts when needed.
Transport clients as part of significant community-based work.
Perform other assigned duties as needed.