Foster Care Case Manager

Bethany Christian Services USA • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Bethany Christian Services is a faith-based organization dedicated to ensuring children are safe, loved, and connected through family. We strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and assist refugees. As a Foster Care Case Manager, you will be an integral part of a foster parent's Bethany team, providing support to both the foster parents and the child in their care. Your role will involve training, equipping, and connecting foster parents with community resources to meet the child's needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in human services or a related field.
• Hold or be willing to obtain state certifications as required by the program.
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of human service as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects that separation and loss, neglect, physical and sexual abuse has on a child.
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality.
• Adheres to all agency and departmental safety procedures including reporting any unsafe practices, equipment and environment, and takes an active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment or environment through proper notification channels.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage.
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• At least one (1) year of prior case management experience in child and family services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services to children in foster care.
• Attend and testify at court hearings, as necessary.
• Maintain effective contact with attorneys, therapists, CASA workers, and/or other providers.
• Maintain current and accurate client records, case files, record notes, and medical records.
• Comply with the reporting guidelines established by the organization, Department of Child Services (DCS), and the court, while submitting all required reports in a timely manner.
• Provide services that empower clients and adhere to the organization’s standards of ethical Practice.
• Coordinate and facilitate the completion of the treatment plan, and maintain contact with all providers to include attending child and family team meetings.
• Meet with foster parents at least monthly to assist with and ensure the appropriate care is given to foster children.
• Investigate child abuse and neglect in accordance with program expectations and guidelines.
• Recommend whether the parental rights should be terminated in a timely manner that ensure the safety of the child.
• Participate in on-call system and schedule, as necessary.
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction.
• Partner with the Licensing and Placement Specialist regarding foster parent complaints.
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer foster families for support, as needed.
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services.
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department.
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO YourWay, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

What This Job Offers

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