Foster Care Case Manager

Foster Care Case Manager

Department & Division: Foster Care; Child Welfare Division
Reports To: Foster Care Supervisor
Beginning Pay Range: $43,888 - $48,000
Classification: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt

About D.A. Blodgett- St. John’s

D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a comprehensive continuum of care, including counseling, family preservation, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. Guided by the belief that children thrive best with their families whenever safety can be ensured, the organization delivers compassionate, evidence-based services designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term success. Serving primarily children, youth, and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, with select programs reaching across Michigan, D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is committed to creating brighter futures through prevention, intervention, and lifelong support. Rooted in dignity, equity, and belonging, the organization provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.

Mission Statement: To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.
Vision: A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.

Culture Commitments

DABSJ operates with core values including Exceptional Service, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Excellence, Integrity, Creativity, and Passion. Their culture commitments emphasize Nonviolence, Emotional Intelligence, Democracy, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, Growth & Change, Cultural Humility, Trauma-Responsive Practices, Identity Safety, and Anti-Racism.

Position Summary

Foster Care Case Managers play a critical role in supporting children and families within the child welfare system, beginning after a court order removes a child from their home. Case managers work directly with children, parents, and caregivers, leading collaborative teams to ensure the child's safety, well-being, and stability. The ultimate goal is to help each child achieve permanency, whether through reunification, adoption, guardianship, or preparation for independent living. This impactful position requires compassion, strong organizational abilities, effective communication, and perseverance. Case managers receive regular supervisory support but must also make independent decisions, conduct ongoing assessments, and adapt creatively to complex situations. Flexibility is key, as case managers often adjust their schedules to meet clients in community settings at times convenient for them.

Core Responsibilities

• Monthly Home Visits: Conduct monthly visits with foster children in their residences (e.g., foster homes).
• Parent Engagement: Conduct monthly visits and maintain communication with parents of foster children, engaging them in treatment plans for reunification.
• Timely Report Writing: Complete approximately 50% of job duties involving computer-based paperwork, including critical quarterly reports for judges and attorneys.
• Court Testimony: Participate in regular court appearances (normally quarterly) to update the court on case progress.

Essential Responsibilities

• Commit to learning and complying with MDHHS foster care policies and procedures and Department of Child Welfare Licensing (DCWL) rules.
• Complete computer-based and paperwork reporting in a timely manner. Expect a caseload of approximately 13 children.
• Cooperate and assist other agency staff and partner agencies with necessary paperwork.
• Comply with agency expectations for general forms (expense vouchers, service area reports, etc.).
• Coordinate and monitor community resources for clients (e.g., school conferences, therapy, medical services).
• Attend agency and team meetings, case conferences, adoption planning conferences, and in-service training.
• Develop and implement service plans, parent-agency agreements, and aftercare treatment plans.
• Participate in required case-related activities such as court hearings, pre-hearing conferences, Family Team Meetings (FTM), and Foster Care Review Board meetings.
• Safely transport youth.
• Be available for nights and weekends, in addition to the on-call team.
• Work more than 40 hours per week as needed to achieve agency objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a closely related Human Services field approved by the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing (BCAL). A Master's degree is a bonus.
• Positive acceptance of supervision for training in case management, assessment, and treatment skills.
• Commitment to providing excellent child welfare services.
• Child welfare experience is a plus.
• Experience or training in working with children or adults in individual and family counseling, interviewing, family assessment, and crisis intervention.
• Valid driver's license, good driving record, and a reliable vehicle available at all times.
• Understanding and sensitivity to client’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, with warmth, sensitivity, and the ability to establish meaningful relationships across diverse cultures.

Core Competencies

• Working under Pressure
• Planning and Organizing
• Detail Orientation
• Customer Service
• Adaptability

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to move between office, community, homes, and court settings; involves walking, standing, sitting, and navigating varied environments.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting/carrying of case files, car seats, or supplies (10-25 lbs); assisting children with basic physical support.
• Technology: Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, and case management systems; timely documentation across varied environments.
• Communication: Frequent verbal and written communication; ability to hear, respond, observe nonverbal cues, and assess safety.
• Driving: Regular travel using a personal or agency vehicle; ability to safely transport children and travel in varying weather/traffic conditions. Must maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Resilience: Frequent exposure to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations; ability to maintain professionalism and emotional regulation.
• Safety: Ability to recognize safety risks, de-escalate situations, follow protocols, and respond during emergencies.
• Environment: Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, activity, or interruptions; adapt to changing priorities. Ability to enter diverse home environments.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Ability to respond to urgent program needs during on-call rotations, requiring flexible scheduling and occasional after-hours communication. Ability to meet family needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends.
• Confidentiality: Consistent adherence to confidentiality laws, ethical standards, and professional boundaries.

D.A. Blodgett – St. John's is an equal opportunity, at-will employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, culture, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic status, disability, or other legally-protected characteristics.

This job description is not exhaustive and duties may be assigned by management as needed. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.