Foster Care Case Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about making a profound difference in the lives of children and families? This role requires a dedicated and compassionate Foster Care Case Manager to join our mission-driven team. In this vital role, you will be the primary advocate and support system for children in foster care, guiding them and their families toward safety, stability, and permanency. You will manage a dynamic caseload, developing individualized service plans, coordinating essential services, and empowering families to overcome challenges. If you are a resilient, organized, and empathetic professional with a deep commitment to child welfare, we invite you to apply and become a cornerstone of hope for those who need it most.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Graduate
Case Aide or Family Support Worker
Social Services Intern

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Case Manager
Case Management Supervisor / Program Supervisor
Adoption or Licensing Specialist
Program Director

Lateral Moves:

School Social Worker
Hospital or Medical Social Worker
Family Preservation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage a comprehensive caseload of children and youth in out-of-home care, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress toward permanency goals.
Develop, implement, and meticulously review individualized service plans (ISPs) in collaboration with the child, biological family, foster parents, and other stakeholders.
Conduct regular and thorough in-person visits to foster homes, biological family homes, and other relevant locations to assess safety, risk, and the overall home environment.
Prepare detailed, objective, and timely reports for court hearings, administrative reviews, and internal audits, and provide clear, professional testimony in legal proceedings.
Skillfully facilitate Family Team Meetings and other case conferences to ensure all parties are engaged and aligned with the child's permanency plan.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date case records and documentation of all client interactions and activities in the designated case management software (e.g., SACWIS/Evolv).
Provide immediate crisis intervention, de-escalation, and on-call emergency support to children, foster families, and biological families as needed.
Advocate fiercely for the educational, medical, therapeutic, and developmental needs of each child, ensuring they receive all necessary services and support.
Supervise and support family visitation sessions between children and their biological families, providing coaching and assessment to promote positive interactions and bonding.
Identify and diligently work towards achieving the most appropriate permanency goal for each child, whether it be reunification, adoption, or another planned living arrangement.
Provide ongoing guidance, training, and tangible support to foster parents to enhance their caregiving skills and ensure placement stability.
Transport children and youth safely to various appointments, including therapy sessions, medical visits, court hearings, and family visitations.
Complete required clinical and functional assessments, such as the CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths), to inform service planning and measure outcomes.
Collaborate closely with agency licensing and placement staff to ensure thoughtful and appropriate matching of children with foster homes that meet their unique needs.
Assess the needs of biological parents and connect them with a network of community resources, such as substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and parenting classes, to support reunification efforts.
Develop and monitor independent living skills plans for older youth who are preparing to transition out of the foster care system into adulthood.
Uphold and ensure all case management activities and documentation strictly comply with state licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and agency policies.
Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with a wide range of collateral contacts, including school personnel, therapists, attorneys, and medical providers.
Act as a central point of communication for the child's care team, ensuring information flows effectively between all involved parties.
Participate actively in regular supervision meetings, case consultations, and team meetings to review case progress, address challenges, and receive clinical guidance.

Secondary Functions

Participate in community outreach and recruitment events to promote awareness of foster care and the need for foster parents.
Attend ongoing professional development, training, and certification programs to stay current with best practices in child welfare and trauma-informed care.
Contribute to agency-wide initiatives, committees, and quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing service delivery.
Serve as a resource or mentor for new case managers, case aides, or student interns within the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Case Management Software: Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) or state-wide automated child welfare information systems (SACWIS).
Clinical Documentation: Ability to write clear, concise, and objective progress notes, service plans, and court reports that meet legal and agency standards.
Crisis Intervention: Trained in de-escalation techniques and managing high-stress situations involving children and families in crisis.
Child Welfare Law & Policy: Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations governing child protection, foster care, and permanency.
Treatment & Service Planning: Expertise in developing comprehensive, goal-oriented service plans based on thorough assessments of needs and strengths.
Trauma-Informed Care: Deep understanding of the principles of trauma-informed care and the ability to apply them in all interactions with clients.

Soft Skills

Empathy & Compassion: A genuine ability to connect with, understand, and support individuals from diverse and often challenging backgrounds.
Resilience & Stress Management: The capacity to manage a demanding workload and handle emotionally taxing situations without compromising professional effectiveness.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, colleagues, courts, and community partners.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain detailed records for a complex caseload.
Conflict Resolution: The skill to mediate disputes and navigate difficult conversations between family members, foster parents, and service providers.
Cultural Competency: A strong commitment to and understanding of cultural humility, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying challenges, analyzing complex situations, and developing creative and effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Work
Psychology
Sociology
Human Services
Criminal Justice (with a focus on juvenile justice)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in case management or working directly with at-risk children and families.

Preferred:

Direct experience in child welfare, foster care, or a related social services field.
Licensure in Social Work (LSW/LCSW) or a related field is highly desirable.
Experience testifying in court and collaborating with the legal system.
Bilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish) are a significant asset.