Lead Case Manager

Lead Case Manager

The Lead Case Manager helps coordinate onboarding and training activities for the training unit and other case managers. This position strengthens case management practice by modeling effective strategies, providing individualized coaching and guidance, and supporting the professional growth of case managers. This position plays a key role in improving staff confidence, performance, and retention while promoting quality services for children and families.

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:

• Coordinate onboarding and training needs for training unit case managers in conjunction with the supervisor of the training unit.
• Provide guidance and informal supervisory support to Case Management Mentors and other case managers.
• Collaborate with other case management supervisors to determine unit specific training needs.
• Communicate staff training needs to program leadership and quality improvement staff and facilitates training as appropriate.
• Assist with tracking of CWCM certification renewals.
• Assist with tracking of employee training hours to ensure that employees have met annual training hour requirements of YFA, DCF, and the lead agency.
• Meet regularly with case manager trainees, either virtually or in person, to assess current needs, review goals, and evaluate the level of support provided by supervisors.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors and lead agency training staff to identify trainee strengths, areas for growth, certification progress, and targeted strategies for improvement.
• Support timely case management certification by assisting with required paperwork, observations, and coordination with trainees, supervisors, and lead agency training staff.
• Follow up with administrative staff to ensure paperwork is submitted in a timely manner for equipment and FSFN access.
• Review case management documentation for completion, accuracy, and quality.
• Provide individual coaching and constructive feedback to case managers through field shadowing and one-on-one sessions that strengthen staff development, build confidence, and reinforce effective practice in safety planning, family assessments, home visits, family engagement, documentation, and other daily case management responsibilities.
• Solicit feedback from case managers, supervisors, and families served to assess staff support needs, engagement efforts, and service quality, and communicate relevant feedback to supervisors, program leadership, and quality improvement staff.
• Support staff recognition efforts and strategies to increase employee morale.
• Assist case managers with tracking mechanisms and workflow strategies to improve timely completion of tasks, document filing, data entry, and other key tasks.
• Help troubleshoot individual or team performance needs and recommend action plans for improvement.
• Carry a small caseload of no more than three cases.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

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 & Experience:

Bachelor's degree, preferably in a human service-related field. 2+ years' experience required in child welfare. CWCM certification required.

Physical Requirements:

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

Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's):

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to document timely in a clear, concise manner.
• Must possess skills necessary to assess, interpret and deliver care-related information concerning the life-span development of children and families.
• Must possess a positive attitude concerning all aspects of…