Foster Care Case Manager

Be the bright spot in a child's life!

WEBSTER CANTRELL YOUTH ADVOCACY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Foster Care Case Manager

Reports To: Foster Care Supervisor

Status: Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

As a member of the Agency multi-disciplinary team coordinates and implements casework planning for assigned children and/or adolescents, and where indicated, their families. The case manager will conduct quality family assessments, placement and post placement supervision in compliance with agency guidelines and state licensing regulations. Ensure the best resources are available for children entrusted for foster care placement.

INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY LEVEL:

In accord with federal and state legislative mandates, individuals employed in this position are trained to, and function within a Level II-B security clearance for confidentiality of client protected health information, and other privileged information. Appropriate sanctions will be applied against employees who fail to comply with the privacy policies and procedures of the Agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successfully obtain all licensing certification
• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field, Master of Social Work degree or equivalent preferred.
• Professional experiences during which the applicant has become knowledgeable about the child welfare field, as well as proficient in community liaison functioning.
• Promising professional competency supported by an excellent academic record, a stable work history, and professional references
• A current Illinois Driver's license and proof of state requirement for insurance;
• Ability to pass all required background checks;
• Excellent inter­personal skills;
• The ability to organize and prioritize work and to meet deadlines.
• Create an environment that will engage the caregiver and child in the case planning process.
• Be an advocate and coach for the children, parents and other caregivers.
• Ability to respond with discretion and professionalism at all times when dealing with confidential or sensitive matters.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS REQURIED:

• Ability to engage in daily, full-time attendance, and oc­casionally, in duties requiring longer than eight (8) consecutive hours as well as non-working hours on call duties.
• Abili­ty to operate a motor vehicle during both day and night hours.
• Reasonable proficiency in handwriting and computer use, and in the use of clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Reasonably good natural or corrected vi­sion and hearing, and the ability to use the telephone.
• The ability to move physically about the Agency's owned buildings and grounds, and to use stairways (especially in emergencies).
• Ability to maintain calm efficiency and effectiveness in stressful and demanding situa­tions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Function as a Member of the Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Team:

• Analyze needs and coordinate casework planning regarding family stabilization, school adjustment, permanency planning, and/or referrals.
• Be responsible for the assessment of each assigned client, using professional interview techniques and analysis, and for the development and implementation of the client's written Service Plan, as well as materials for the Administrative Case Reviews (ACR), if applicable.
• Where possible, maintain contact, via weekly home visits with foster families, clients, schools, and others as needed
• Arrange for and participate in multi-disciplinary staffings, reviews, and/or consultations when indicated.
• Attend and participate in court hearings as required.
• Be responsible for accurately and legibly maintaining all required reports, monthly and quarterly summaries, and client case records.
• Ensure that all services delivered to clients are accurately and legibly recorded in individual client record progress notes, and that such notes include the specific service delivered, the start and end time of the service delivery, the duration of the service delivery, the place of service deli­very, and are signed by the staff delivering the service.
• Participate in the mandated Utilization Review process of the Agency.
• Treat all information concerning children, youth, and their families in any Agency program with absolute confidentiality.

Community Liaison:

• Represent the Agency within the community, including public speaking, inter-agency planning, and education.
• Nurture productive professional relationships with community agencies and resources.

Miscellaneous Functions:

• Attend training events, seminars, and conferences as assigned.
• Be available to provide professional consultation for off-duty hours when contacted.
• Be available, on a rotational basis, for on-call responsibilities when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.