Shelter Case Manager

Child Saving Institute•Council Bluffs, IA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Caseworker is responsible for service planning and care coordination for children brought to the shelter. This role involves coordinating cases with parents/guardians, family support, referring workers, the court system, schools, local Area Education Agencies, referrals, and CSUSA staff. The Caseworker acts as the primary point of contact for families and referring workers. Additionally, the Caseworker will support Shelter Supervisors in meeting contract performance goals by facilitating alternative services for children when possible and by planning quality care during a child's shelter stay.

Requirements

BA degree and two years of Child Welfare experience.
Knowledge of childcare practices, developmental issues and group processes and practices which are important to the position.
Knowledge and demonstrated skills related to theory and practices in working with emotionally disturbed children.
Personal characteristics and experiential background that will indicate the ability to provide appropriate care for children, to gain their respect, to guide them in their development and to participate in their overall treatment program.
Necessary stamina and temperament to work with children and adolescents (birth-18 years of age) who are experiencing crisis and/or emotional and/or behavior disorders.
Ability to be a leader on a team and be a mentor/role model for youth workers and students.
Ability to construct clear, concisely written communication and demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
General clerical skills, filing, word processing and proficient in spelling and grammar skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines and managing many details with high level of accuracy.
Knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, Power Point and ABRA data base systems.
Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
If required and authorized to drive on organization business, must have automobile insurance that meets agency policy.
Ability to understand and consistently implement policies and procedures of the organization.
Ability to show sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences within the service population.
Own transportation that meets agency vehicle inspection requirements.
Valid driver’s license with no more than 3 points.
Proof of insurance that meets agency requirements.
Ability to complete defensive driver training class.
Ability to regularly stand, use hands to handle or feel objects or children; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Ability to walk and occasionally sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Corrected hearing and vision within normal range.
Ability to successfully complete the CPI course and conduct physical interventions as taught by the instructor.
Ability to be awake and alert for an entire shift, which may be up to 10 to 12 hours.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform a variety of physical demands based on activity level of clients.
Ability to work in outside weather conditions while performing the duties of this job.
Ability to actively participate in a wide range of activities including but not limited to basketball, swimming, fishing, volleyball, movies, staffing, team meetings, etc.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Responsibilities

Promote the organization’s culture within the Shelter Program by clearly and consistently communicating the organization’s vision, mission, and purpose.
Help Youth Workers link community connections to their job tasks.
Model collaboration and cooperation with other parts of the organization and promote effective problem-solving when conflicts arise.
Display behaviors that reflect trauma-informed care.
Encourage client and family engagement.
Treat clients with dignity and respect.
Promote the organization’s philosophy and treatment approach within the Shelter programs.
Emphasize building relationships and teaching during interactions with students and other staff.
Conduct all intakes if present on campus.
Ensure that each family and child receives a handbook, and has the clients’ rights and overview of services explained (including schedules and a review of Behavior Management policies). If the parent/guardian is not available, mail this information.
Facilitate the team meeting of the staff each week.
Serve as a role model for Youth Workers and assist in orientation and training of new staff.
Know and maintain licensing and COA standards.
Assist staff in developing consistent structure and routine within the shelter.
Review the intake assessment of the child and assign staff to meet immediate needs (including safety planning).
Conduct additional assessments when indicated (Trauma, Human Trafficking).
Make initial contact with families after intake to engage them in Shelter services.
Oversee the physical care of the student (e.g., clothing inventories, medical follow-ups, haircuts).
Notify families regarding critical incidents, injuries, and illnesses; keep them informed of care and progress.
Facilitate frequent contact with family, including face-to-face visits as allowed.
Develop a Shelter Care Plan for youth staying four days or longer.
Verify annual physical, eye, and dental exam eligibility; notify health services of needed appointments.
Work with Health Services to schedule evaluations and appointments as requested by referral sources; obtain necessary releases.
Serve as the central point of contact for state workers (DHS/JCS).
Take action to divert youth from shelter placements when possible/eligible.
Assist Shelter Supervisors with program implementation and documentation for each assigned child.
Review student files for quality assurance; request documents from referring workers to ensure complete records.
Review Intake and Discharge files; correct errors or missing information and provide feedback to youth workers.
Notify Shelter Supervisors of concerns within the shelter or issues based on communication with referral workers or parents/guardians.
Have students ages 10+, families, and referring workers complete satisfaction surveys monthly.
Complete daily/monthly Shelter reports and submit per contractual deadlines.
Completes assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
Willing to take on additional responsibilities in a positive manner.
Completes training necessary for the position in line with program and organizational requirements.