Older Youth Case Manager

About the role

The Older Youth Case Manager position supports the mission of the Department of Child Services by helping adolescents transition to adulthood and independence. This role involves investigating child abuse and neglect cases, assessing family needs, and coordinating independent living services.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reported incidents of child abuse, neglect, or dependency
• Determine whether the incident is substantiated and develop recommendations for disposition
• Assess the level of risk to the child and remove them from the family if necessary
• Perform needs assessments and develop treatment options for families and children
• Testify and prepare reports for the community child protection team
• Develop informal adjustment plans with families and children to avoid the juvenile justice system
• Develop case plans to assist families and children in becoming self-sufficient
• Monitor and assess the service capability of treatment programs and providers
• Accept on-call responsibility to receive and investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect
• Conduct home studies and family histories to recommend placement for adoption
• Visit children in out-of-home placements to coordinate family reunification, adoption, or independent living efforts
• Maintain data to help management evaluate trends in family and child needs

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate degree with at least two (2) years of human services job experience
• Completion of thirty (30) college credit hours from an accredited institution with at least four (4) years of human services job experience
• A minimum of five (5) years of human services job experience
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of social work, casework, sociology, and group and individual counseling
• Thorough knowledge of state and/or federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards affecting child protection services, foster care, family preservation, and adoption
• Specialized knowledge of the interrelationships of the various behavioral sciences as they affect care and treatment of patients/clients and/or objectives of social work projects
• Ability to investigate and interview alleged victims and perpetrators of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to formulate and monitor project guidelines or treatment plans
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports
• Ability to work with families of diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds with sensitivity to differences in child rearing practices, relationships, and needs
• Ability to work with children with special needs such as mental or emotional conditions, foster families, and professionals providing services to them
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crises situations including those involving confrontational, aggressive adults being investigated for child abuse or neglect

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of social work, casework, sociology and group and individual counseling including new methods and theories of treatment
• Thorough knowledge of state and/or federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards affecting child protection services, foster care, family preservation and adoption
• Specialized knowledge of the interrelationships of the various behavioral sciences as they affect care and treatment of patients/clients and/or objectives of social work projects
• Ability to investigate and interview alleged victims and perpetrators of child abuse or neglect in an appropriate and effective manner
• Ability to formulate and monitor project guidelines or treatment plans
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports
• Ability to work with families of diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds with sensitivity to differences in child rearing practices, relationships, and need
• Ability to work with children with special needs such as mental or emotional conditions, foster families, and professionals providing services to them
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crises situations including those involving confrontational, aggressive adults being investigated for child abuse or neglect

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of child welfare systems and procedures
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Free parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position works primarily from Terre Haute, Indiana, and will serve these counties in western Indiana: Boone, Hendricks, Morgan, Putnam, and Vigo. Residency in the service area is preferred. Mileage is reimbursed. Augmented pay is provided for on-call hours.