Child Welfare Case Manager

#nowhiring Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant . LSF is looking for talented Child Welfare Case Managers who want to make an impact in the lives of others.  Are you a former law enforcement officer, first responder, military service member, teacher, health care practitioner or emergency management professional?  We welcome you to continue a mission driven career with LSF and encourage you to apply with us!  Purpose & Impact: The purpose of the Child Welfare Case Manager is to provide full wrap around case management services to LSF clients and families while establishing a relationship with them and living the agency’s core values.

Essential Functions: Accept all cases assigned by unit supervisor and meet with children in their primary residence within 2 working days of ITR staffing and with identified parents in sufficient time to complete a Family Assessment within 15 working days of ITR staffing. Negotiate and develop a case plan based on identified strengths and needs of the family, the circumstances bringing the family into care, recommendations provided by the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessment and other relevant data.

This plan is to be created in collaboration with the parents, Guardian Ad Litem, foster parents and other pertinent parties with the goal of reunification or other permanency for the child. Visits the child in their primary residence according to required frequency, but no less than once every 25 days. At least one visit each quarter is to be unannounced. Accurately document all case activities in the Florida Safe Families Network database within 48 hours.

Maintain the electronic case file in chronological order, by subject, in accordance with the standardized case file format guidelines. Submit service requests to the lead agency and provide clients with timely referrals to services. Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources, program eligibility requirements, key contact persons, emergency procedures, and waiting lists of available resources.

Maintain regular contact with service providers and document service progress in FSFN. Complete and submit court documentation within in required time frames. Prepare for, attend, and participate in all court activities as necessary. Arrange for, attend, and participate in individual case staffings as necessary. Complete all required staffing and application packets. Conduct initial and/or ongoing child safety and family functioning assessments as required.

Prepare initial and on-going safety plans as necessary. Arrange for emergency placement, emergency medical treatment, and emergency services for children at risk. Conduct diligent searches for parents and family members when deemed necessary and thoroughly document that the effort has been made to find the parents and family members. Conduct home studies as required for prospective placements. Provide relevant medical, psychological, behavioral and educational background information about the child or children to prospective care-givers as needed.

Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as needed and appropriate. Transport children as needed. Provide direct supervision of children awaiting placement. Ensure that all Independent Living functions are completed as required Attend all appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, etc., as necessary and as required by the supervisor. Function as agency on-call Case Manager as scheduled.

Organize, prioritize and complete all work assignments by the established deadlines. All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards: Courtesy: Treat customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image. Communication Skills: Keep supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential problems.

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