Foster Care Case Manager

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs; we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better. 

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you! 

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below: 

• Generous Paid Time Off? 
• Paid training 
• Health Insurance? 
• Dental and Vision 
• Life insurance 
• 403(b) with company contribution 5% 
• Tuition reimbursement 

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. 

Job Title: Foster Care Case Manager

Department: Foster Care

Status: Full-Time, exempt

Reports To: Foster Care Supervisor

Compensation Starting Pay: $58,000, annually

Description of Typical Work Schedule: Schedule varies as there may be a requirement to work evenings and weekends to attend meetings or to be on call in case of emergencies. There may also be a requirement to work extended hours to complete paperwork or to meet deadlines. (Hours set based on necessity of department or office.)

PURPOSE: To collaborate with DCFS, youth, birth families, foster parents, and other identified supports to facilitate the achievement of permanency for youth in care. Foster Care Case Managers will visit with members of the child and family team as required and work to identify any barriers to permanency and help secure supports and services to overcome identified barriers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  

• Provides case management services to children and families in foster care
• Maintains and monitors youth in care placements to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being objectives are met as well as compliance with contract/program plan requirements. 
• Maintains current and accurate documentation of contact notes, case notes, and client records. 
• Coordinates and provides linkage to appropriate agency and community resources necessary for effective, efficient achievement of the permanency goal by established timeframe. 
• Establishes a therapeutic alliance and engage families, caregivers, and other service providers in the treatment process. 
• Maintains effective, consistent contact with therapists, attorneys, CASA, and/or any other community service providers, which includes facilitating and attending Child and Family Team meetings. 
• Prepares for and actively participate in all required meetings with DCFS
• Attends and testifies in court hearings, as necessary

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED

• Degree/Field Required: Bachelor's Degree (Related fields will be considered.) 
• Degree/Field Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or in Human Services (Related fields will be considered.)
• Experience Required: Minimum less than 4 years (For positions that manage staff, the years specified need to be progressive years of management experience. For all positions, the years required can be interchanged with equivalent experience from an advanced degree related to this job and/or with other relevant experience verified by applicant/incumbent). 
• Licenses/Certifications Required: Child Welfare Employee License
• Licenses/Certifications Preferred: Child Welfare Employee License

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Trauma-informed: Must display a willingness to adopt trauma informed interventions, principles, and practices as well as commitment to ongoing development of their capacity for application of trauma informed care. Realizes the prevalence of trauma among persons served by Caritas and the general population. Recognizes how trauma affects everyone involved-including clients, their families, staff, and community; and impacts behaviors. Responds to trauma by actively implementing the guiding principles of trauma informed care into their daily practice. Resists re-traumatization of persons served and staff providing services, by creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.
• Proficient Computer Skills In: Outlook, Word, Database Management Software  
• Expert Computer Skills In: Outlook, Word, Database Management Software  

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

Access to reliable transportation to get to/from work: Required. 

Access to a reliable automobile: Required.

Must provide proof of auto liability insurance (and continue to while working in this position): Required.

Must possess a valid driver's license: Required.

Drug Free Workplace: 

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict, drug-free workplace policy is maintained.