Refugee Treatment Foster Care Case Manager

Bethany Christian Services - Grand Rapids, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Grand Rapids, MI

Social Assistance

About the position

The Refugee Treatment Foster Care Case Manager at Bethany Christian Services is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to children in foster care, foster families, and biological families through the Refugee Services program. This role involves conducting culturally sensitive home studies, assessments, and referrals, while ensuring compliance with agency, federal, and state regulations. The position requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including foster parents and community resources, to support the well-being of unaccompanied refugee minors.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally and comprehensive case management services while maintaining a caseload in compliance with contract terms and agency expectations.
• Assess potential placements for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM), including interviews and home study investigations.
• Assist with home study and licensure of foster families as needed.
• Complete and document all required reports, case notes, and case contacts in the appropriate database in accordance with expected timeframes and requirements.
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of placements on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases and review case plans.
• Attend and prepare for court hearings.
• Conduct monthly meetings with foster parents and foster children.
• Serve as an interpreter for clientele who speak Spanish and translate to English as needed.
• May serve as a co-therapist as needed.
• Provide transportation to clients for medical appointments, foster homes, and other social agencies as needed.
• Assist with training new staff as requested.
• Facilitate and assist with ongoing education and support services for foster parents, attending all education and support meetings provided to them.
• Attend internal trainings and apply newly gained knowledge on the job.
• Serve as lead or co-lead for therapeutic or educational groups.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of foster children in care while meeting documentation and reporting requirements.
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support as needed.
• Maintain effective communication with community resources and individuals involved in providing services to clients.
• Stay informed about agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a Social Services field from an accredited college; Master's degree preferred.
• At least one year of prior case management experience in child and family services preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to service a diverse group of clients, including refugees or other minority families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions, including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license and at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with refugee populations or minority families.
• Knowledge of community resources for support services.

Benefits

• One-time signing bonus of $1000.
• Additional bonus of $4000 for candidates that are CWTI Certified with hands-on Foster Care experience.