Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times.  Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Child Welfare Case Manager Trainee trains and becomes proficient in identifying and assessing client and family needs of minors placed in care by DCF due to abuse or neglect by caretakers, with the ultimate goal of permanency. The Child Welfare Case Manager Trainee assists and becomes proficient in evaluating, coordinating the necessary services and/or treatment are provided and assists in completing assessments. Overall, the Child Welfare Case Manager Trainee contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1.  Identify and assess client and family needs and coordinate services with the goal of permanency.

• Attend formal instruction (Phase I Child Protection Certification training program).
• Upon successful completion of Phase I, enter Phase II -- monitored field practice under close supervision.
• Conduct child safety assessments.
• Assess client needs and develop service plans.
• Coordinate the delivery of services; plan referrals and linkages to clients and families.
• Monitor service plan progress, evaluate reports from multiple service providers, and keep supervisor notified of progress or lack of progress.
• Develop and maintain case and program documentation according to contract and CHS standards (assessments, treatment/service plans, progress notes, termination summaries, etc.)
• Prepare case/status reports and make recommendations/ testify at courts or other prescribed body regarding reunification, termination of parental rights or other permanency plans.
• Conduct diligent searches as required by dependency laws.
• Coordinate services with other professionals and paraprofessionals.
• Conduct community outreach as needed.
• Provide specialized services that may include detainment, interstate compact, post placement supervision, relative/non-relative caregiver home studies, court testimony, termination of parental rights and judicial review staffing.
• Provide support to children, caregivers and family members to assure stable placement and timely achievement of permanency.
• Assist family/caregivers in accessing subsidy, medical coverage and other needed services for children.
• Coordinate cases with supervisor, team members, providers, DCF and attorneys as needed.
• Facilitate placement and independent living.
• May remove and place children.
• May facilitate mediation staffing for reunification, TPR and detainment.
• Arrange or provide transportation of clients when needed.
• Arrange for drug / alcohol screens as necessary.
• Provide on call support as required or scheduled.
• Participate in the quality improvement process.

2.  Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services related field from an accredited university, preferred.
• Master’s degree in Social Work, preferred.
• Florida Driver’s License within 30 days from hire is required, along with daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle.

Experience:

• Must successfully complete:
  • Prescribed Child Welfare Case Management Certification training and examination.
  • A considerable period of monitored field practice under close supervision and the associated field case requirement.
  • The CHS Dependency Experience Waiver learning path, unless the team member possesses one of the preferred qualifications.
• Two years of experience working with at risk children and families, preferred.
• The team member may advance to a Dependency Case Manager once all qualifications are met.
• Experience in these related fields/titles welcome:  Child Welfare, Dependency, Social Work, DCF, Foster Care, Adoptions, Teaching, Psychology, Criminal Justice, etc.

Competencies

Knowledge of:

• HUMAN SERVICES | CHILD WELFARE

Skills and Proficiency in:

• Planning, organization and time management, oral & written communication
• Interpersonal Relationship Building, Collaboration, Teaming
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Ability to:

• Interact effectively with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients; act decisively to protect clients.
• Identify and understand environmental stressors. Intervene effectively in crisis situations.
• Assess and apply proper intervention strategies.
• Perform at a high level of autonomy, with general supervision.
• Perform under strong demands in fast-paced, diverse, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Handle stressful, sensitive situations; preserve confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Solve practical problems and document results using sound judgment.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of our CHS Common Bond Values.

 Together, good can be done.