Child Welfare Case Manager​/Trainee

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess client and family needs of minors placed in care by DCF due to abuse or neglect with the ultimate goal of permanency.
• Conduct child safety assessments.
• Assess client needs and develop service plans.
• Coordinate delivery of services; plan referrals and linkages to clients and families.
• Monitor service plan progress and evaluate reports from multiple service providers.
• Develop and maintain case and program documentation (assessments, treatment and service plans, progress notes, termination summaries, etc.) according to contract and CHS standards.
• Prepare case and status reports and make recommendations; testify in court or other prescribed bodies regarding reunification, termination of parental rights or other permanency plans.
• Conduct diligent searches as required by dependency laws.
• Coordinate services with other professionals and para‑professionals.
• Conduct community outreach as needed.
• Provide specialized services such as detainment, interstate compact, post‑placement supervision, relative and non‑relative caregiver home studies, court testimony, termination of parental rights and judicial review staffing.
• Facilitate stable placement and timely achievement of permanency by providing support to children, caregivers, and family members.
• Assist families and 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, and/or 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.
• For Adoptions:
  • Assess families for the purpose of adoption.
  • Complete child assessments specific for adoption.
  • Meet agency target/goal for adoption.
  • Complete subsidy packets for families.
  • Follow background requirements for adoption.
  • Adhere to requirements as provided by Florida statute and required by lead agency.
• DCM Trainee candidates only: Attend a paid classroom training program, Phase I Child Protection Certification, and upon successful completion, enter Phase II, a hands‑on supervised field practice that leads to full certification.

• Education, Licenses & Certifications - DCM Trainee Candidates:
  • 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, and daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle (required).
• Experience - DCM Trainee Candidates:
  • Must successfully complete prescribed Child Welfare Case Management Certification training and examination.
  • Must complete a considerable period of monitored field practice under close supervision and meet the associated field case requirement.
  • Must complete the CHS Dependency Experience Waiver learning path unless the candidate possesses one of the preferred qualifications.
  • Two years of experience working with at‑risk children and families (preferred).
  • The candidate may advance to a Dependency Case Manager once all qualifications are met.
  • Experience in related fields/titles such as Child Welfare, Dependency, Social Work, DCF, Foster Care, Adoptions, Teaching, Psychology, Criminal Justice, etc. is welcome.
• Education, Licenses & Certifications - Certified DCM Candidates:
  • 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 from an accredited university (preferred).
  • Florida Child Welfare Case Manager certification (required).
  • CHS Dependency Experience Waiver may substitute for required qualifications.
  • For Adoptions:
    Adoption Competent certificate or must acquire it within 6 months of employment (required).
• Experience - Certified DCM Candidates:
  • Two years of experience working with at‑risk children and families (required).

• Knowledge of child development, community…