Shelter Case Manager

Shelter Caseworker

Location:

Children Square Campus, Council Bluffs, Iowa Salary: $45,000+ Based on Education and Professional Experience

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8-5

Job Purpose:

Shelter Caseworker is responsible for service planning and care coordination for the child who is brought to the shelter, and for coordination of the case with the parent/guardian, other family or support, the referring worker, the court system, the school, local Area Education Agency, referrals, and with CSUSA staff. The Caseworker serves as the primary point of contact for the family and referring worker.

The Caseworker will assist the Shelter Supervisors in meeting the performance goals of the Shelter contract by facilitating alternative services for the child when possible, and by planning quality care when the child is in the shelter.

Essential

Job Duties:

Culture: promote the organization’s culture within the Shelter Program Clearly and consistently communicate the organization’s vision, mission and purpose.

Help the Youth Workers to link connections with the community to the job they are doing.

Model collaboration and cooperation with other parts of the organization and promote effective problem solving when conflicts arise.

Displays behaviors that reflect trauma-informed care.

Encourages client and family engagement.

Treats clients with dignity and respect.

Program: promote the organization’s philosophy and treatment approach within the Shelter programs

Emphasize building relationships and teaching during interactions with students and other staff.

Conduct all intakes if present on campus. Ensure that each family and child receives a handbook, and has the clients’ rights and overview of services explained (including schedules and a review of Behavior Management policies). If the parent/guardian is not available, mail this information.

Facilitate the team meeting of the staff each week.

Serve as a role model for Youth Workers and assist in orientation and training of new staff.

Know and maintain licensing and COA standards.

Assist staff in developing consistent structure and routine within the shelter.

Care Coordination Review the intake assessment of the child and assign staff to meet immediate needs (including safety planning).Conduct additional assessments when indicated (Trauma, Human Trafficking).Make initial contact with families after intake to engage them in Shelter services.

Oversee the physical care of the student (e.g., clothing inventories, medical follow‑ups, haircuts).Notify families regarding critical incidents, injuries, and illnesses; keep them informed of care and progress.

Facilitate frequent contact with family, including face‑to‑face visits as allowed.

Develop a Shelter Care Plan for youth staying four days or longer.

Verify annual physical, eye, and dental exam eligibility; notify health services of needed appointments.

Work with Health Services to schedule evaluations and appointments as requested by referral sources; obtain necessary releases.

Serve as the central point of contact for state workers (DHS/JCS).Take action to divert youth from shelter placements when possible/eligible.

Shelter:
Assist Shelter Supervisors with program implementation

Assist the Shelter Supervisors with program implementation and documentation for each assigned child.

Review student files for quality assurance; request documents from referring workers to ensure complete records.

Review Intake and Discharge files; correct errors or missing information and provide feedback to youth workers.

Notify Shelter Supervisors of concerns within the shelter or issues based on communication with referral workers or parents/guardians.

Have students ages 10+, families, and referring workers complete satisfaction surveys monthly.

Complete daily/monthly Shelter reports and submit per contractual deadlines.

Other Duties:

Completes assignments in a timely and accurate manner.

Willing to take on additional responsibilities in a positive manner.

Completes training necessary for the position in line with program and organizational requirements.

Environment:

The majority of work is a combination of shelter, office and a community or home-based environment.

Duties are…