Do you have a passion to provide meaningful contributions to your community?  Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of South Carolina’s children, families, and vulnerable adults?  If so, the SC Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you!

Job Duties:

• The CWS Case Manager performs case management in the Child Welfare area of Investigations in accordance with DSS Policy, Mission and GPS Practice Model. Conducting timely initial investigations  of reports of child abuse and neglect and offering services to children and families who may have experienced or are at risk of experiencing child maltreatment. Performs on-call duties as assigned. 

• Performs case management (ie, contacts, visitation, case planning) to a caseload of children and families to ensure safety, permanency and well-being. Responds to assigned intakes within identified time frames to conduct initial safety assessments of the family and home using the comprehensive Family Advocacy and Support Tool (FAST). Utilizes critical thinking skills to determine whether there are safety threats or a level of risk that constitutes child abuse or neglect under South Carolina Law. Develops safety plan when appropriate to reduce safety concerns identified in FAST assessment.

• Authentically engages families, other professionals within the agency, and external partners with empathy and respect; to include timely responses to telephone calls, emails, and texts. Collaborates closely with law enforcement and legal when safety concerns are present. Completes legal packets when case has been identified as needing legal action or an EPC has occurred.

• Makes concerted efforts to locate and engage absent parents, relatives and fictive kin to support and join the child and family team (CFT). Participates in initial CFT meetings and ensures youth and families feel heard and have a voice in the teaming process.

• Recommends intervention services or activities to strengthen the family and safely maintain the child(ren) in the home based on the initial assessment of safety and makes timely service referrals. Documents recommended intervention services or activities on the Family Permanency Plan.

• Maintains physical and electronic case record by composing clear, objective, and thorough documentation covering pertinent details of case activities per DSS policy and the GPS Practice Model. Ensures all case management activities are documented in CAPSS system according to time frames established by DSS policy. Ensures documentation meets quality standards and captures necessary elements pertinent to safety, permanency, well-being and case planning.

• Maintains child welfare certification. Completes 20 hours of training yearly to include certifications that are required yearly.

• Maintains an active routine of self-care and pursues support when necessary to minimize the threat of secondary trauma to physical and mental health. Understands the impact of trauma on families and secondary trauma on child welfare staff and applies principles to support families.  
  

• Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duties/services as directed.