Early Childhood Case Manager

Description: This position provides continuity of care for children by supporting permanency through a case management model that develops, expands, accesses, and connects families with community resources that meet each child’s needs. The position also provides specialized case management support to children ages 0–5 who are at heightened risk for developmental, physical, and mental health challenges due to their young age and experiences of maltreatment.

In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required training, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

Essential Job Functions:

• Function as a contributing member of a case management team.
• Provide case management services, including assessment, planning, linking, monitoring, and advocacy, to assigned children and families from intake to discharge from the system.
• Provide increased parent-child visitation with a focus on increasing parent engagement and attachment.
• Increase parent participation in Early Childhood Court (ECC), seeking to overcome systemic barriers to attendance. 
• Manage cases involving families participating in Early Childhood Court and dependency drug court.
• Link families to evidence-based parenting and early childhood services, incorporating infant mental health principles into case planning.
• Conduct weekly home visits for high-risk cases.
• Ensure appropriate case plans and treatment plans are developed for all children and families in the foster care system.
• Ensure that families are staffed with the multidisciplinary team as needed and appropriate.
• Develop and ensure the service/case plan includes a realistic permanency goal that can be achieved within 12 months, measurable objectives related to the permanency goal, specific task assignments with timelines, and all legal requirements under Chapter 39.
• Review and update service/case plans monthly, or more frequently as needed, to ensure progress is being made toward permanency and that modifications are made in a timely manner.
• Complete monthly progress reports and updates case plans whenever goals, interventions, or timelines need to be changed. 
• Provide families with educational information to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect, promote family stability, and support a healthy family system.
• Maintain electronic and paper records of each case, ensuring that chronological notes and activities are accurate and entered timely into the appropriate data system.
• Ensure all judicial work is prepared timely and in accordance with Florida Statute.
• Identify and monitor children and families at risk of abuse or neglect.
• Refer children and families to appropriate community services and otherwise ensure continuity of care for children and families.
• Participate in staff development programs and opportunities, such as training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and/or Circle of Security.
• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or leadership.
• Trained and authorized to access protected health information.

The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a human services-related field. Full CWCM certification required. Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Physical requirements: Ability to travel regionally on a regular basis and statewide as needed; ability to bend, lift, and carry up to 30 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to complete timely documentation in a clear, concise manner.
• Must possess the skills necessary to assess, interpret, and deliver care-related information concerning children and families.
• Must function as a member of a team that manages a caseload of children from birth to age 17.
• Establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships required for proper functioning within the role of a case manager.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude in all aspects of working in a challenging environment, including patience and respect for children and families, sensitivity to cultural needs, and willingness to serve as a positive member of a working team.
• Function as a mandatory reporter, ensuring child safety and protection.
• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of community resources.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by the Agency’s current insurance carrier.
• Ability to arrive/report to work on time and ready to work.
• Ability to abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting.
• Ability to show respect to others.
• Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors.
• Ability to abide by core values and mission statement of the agency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites.