Foster Care Case Manager- Jefferson County

Archdiocese of St. Louis•University City, MO

About The Position

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services provides the highest quality foster care and treatment foster care, adoption, expectant parent counseling, maternity shelter, pregnancy services and advocacy. In response to the call of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, to help those in need, we connect children with families and keep families connected. Job SummaryThe position is full time and serves Jefferson County. Primary responsibilities include providing assessment, service planning and case management to families with the focus on connecting children with families and keeping families connected. Advocate for children and families within the systems impacting service delivery i.e., educational, legal, medical, mental health systems. Conduct activities in a manner to facilitate the fundamental goals of achieving permanency for children, placement stability, safety of children and reduction of residential utilization. Document all activities related to case management in the state information system. The position requires Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work with a diverse client population Adesire to work as part of a team Aworking knowledge of community resources and Apassion for the right of every child to be part of a permanent, safe and loving family. This position demonstrates a commitment to connecting children to families and keeping families connected and provides all services in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited program of Social Work, Counseling or Psychology or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program of Social Work, Counseling or Psychology and two (2) years of related experience.
Working knowledge of community resources.
An understanding of family systems, the impact of abuse and neglect; substance abuse; mental illness; poverty; grief and loss; and trauma on children and their families.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse client population
A desire to work as part of a team
A passion for the right of every child to be part of a permanent, safe and loving family.
Must be 21 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license
Reliable access to an automobile
Valid automobile insurance is required

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of basic Child Welfare Practice Training preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete initial and ongoing assessments of service needs of the child and family including the psychological, developmental and emotional areas of functioning.
Based on needs assessment, develop and implement case planning for children and their families providing all needed referrals.
Monitor child’s placement in alternative care assuring that the child’s medical, educational, social and emotional needs are being met.
Monitor the family’s progress on treatment goals by having regular contact with family members and coordinating any needed service referrals.
Attend all court hearings, provide factual testimony and follow up on all court ordered treatment plans and court orders.
Advocate for children and families within the systems impacting service delivery i.e. educational, legal, medical, mental health systems.
Attend school, agency, medical, therapeutic and court meetings with child and placement provider as needed.
Provide coaching and skill building activities to families to improve family functioning and help parents improve their ability to care for their child.
Maintain the client’s legal record which includes documentation of all client related activities on the child and family as required. Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the state system (FACES) according to established timeframes.
Complete written reports, including court reports, case reviews, case plans, referrals and other documents as required by the contract.
The majority of this job is performed in the community and staff will need to transport clients to activities or appointments and therefore must be 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, reliable access to an automobile and valid automobile insurance is required.