Child Welfare Caseworker

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Welfare Caseworker to join our team. As a key member of our organization, you will play a vital role in providing support and services to families in need.

• Provide full wrap-around case management services to LSF clients and families, establishing a relationship with them and living the agency's core values.
• Accept all cases assigned by unit supervisor and meet with children in their primary residence within 2 working days of ITR staffing and with identified parents in sufficient time to complete a Family Assessment within 15 working days of ITR staffing.
• Negotiate and develop a case plan based on identified strengths and needs of the family, the circumstances bringing the family into care, recommendations provided by the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessment and other relevant data.
• Visits the child in their primary residence according to required frequency, but no less than once every 25 days. At least one visit each quarter is to be unannounced.
• Accurately document all case activities in the Florida Safe Families Network database within 48 hours. Maintain the physical case file in chronological order, by subject, in accordance with the standardized case file format.
• Submit service requests to the lead agency Utilization Management Department and provide clients with timely referrals to services.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources, program eligibility requirements, key contact persons, emergency procedures, and waiting lists of available resources.
• Maintain regular contact with service providers and document service progress in FSFN.
• Complete and submit court documentation within required time frames. Prepare for, attend, and participate in all court activities as necessary.
• Arrange for, attend, and participate in individual case staffing as necessary. Complete all required staffing and application packets.
• Conduct initial and/or ongoing child safety assessments as required. Prepare initial and on-going safety plans as necessary.
• Arrange for emergency placement, emergency medical treatment, and emergency services for children at risk.
• Conduct diligent searches for parents and family members when deemed necessary and thoroughly document that the effort has been made to find the parents and family members.
• Conduct home studies as required for prospective placements. Provide relevant medical, psychological, behavioral and educational background information about the child or children to prospective caregivers as needed.
• Plan and facilitate parental and sibling visits as needed and appropriate.
• Transport children as needed.
• Ensure that all Independent Living functions are completed as required.
• Attend all appointments, staff meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, etc., as necessary and as required by the supervisor.
• Function as agency on-call Case Manager as scheduled.

• Valid Florida Driver's License, Insurance and ability to transport clients in own personal vehicle.
• Ability to travel locally, and out of the area, in the execution of professional duties, trainings and/or conferences.
• Ability to operate a computer, sit for long periods of time, and develop coherent written correspondence and progress notes.
• Ability to adapt to irregular hours, perform some light lifting, and be flexible to work on call 24/7 as needed.
• Certified First Aid/CPR, and crisis intervention.
• Must have a minimum of one year of relevant experience and certified or become certified within one year.
• Must possess a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field. Degree in Social Work preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with and ability to use Microsoft Office programs Word and Excel.
• Ability to drive both locally and throughout the state in connection with the duties of this position.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

LSF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary employer match. Our staff also enjoy tuition reimbursement, a generous PTO policy, and a supportive work environment.

At LSF, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all business practices. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates who share our values.