Job Overview
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults? Then the South Carolina Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic CWS Case Manager for our Midlands Region who ensures accountability of foster family applications and home studies by participating in case consultations, coaching, training, and providing support in accordance with DSS Policy, Agency Mission, and GPS Practice Model. Will be responsible for processing all initial license applications for assigned regions in a timely manner and will track performances and outcomes for reporting purposes.
The CWS Case Manager performs promotes safety, permanency and well-being by ensuring fidelity to policy and procedures and participating in case consultation and case reviews, reviewing data reports, monitoring policy changes, and ensuring attendance in mandatory trainings.
Performs licensing duties, to include but not limited to, ICPC referrals, kinship licensing and foster home licensing referrals. Completes initial licensing activities, to include conducting home visits, assessing their appropriateness for foster home licensure, processing and reviewing family licensing paperwork, scheduling fire inspections, and preparing written foster family home assessments to have a foster home license issued within the established time frame.
Participates in after hours FFALS recruitment and retention events as requested.
Participates in FFALS after hours/holiday placement on call as assigned.
Enters complete and accurate licensing information within the agency’s database (CAPSS), to include up linking documents, for issuance of foster home license.
Participates in case consultations with supervisors, county staff and/or state office staff as well as work groups, and trainings as appropriate.
Authentically engages providers, other professionals within the agency, and external partners (i.e. CPA’s and Group Care Providers) with empathy and respect; to include timely responses to telephone calls, emails, and texts. Participates in and/or facilitates child and family team meetings as requested. Responds timely and professionally to constituent inquiries.
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 and staff.
Will be required to perform Red Cross shelter/emergency response duties as directed.
All South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) Employees are expected to Adopt, Implement, and Promote the Published Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles, While Employed by the Agency.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Welfare, or Behavioral Science.
A Bachelor’s Degree in any other field and one (1) year of professional experience in Human Services or Social Services programs.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Social Work or Social Welfare program accredited by the Council on accredited institution, plus experience as a professional Social Worker.
Working knowledge of child development, family dynamics, statutes and policies related to child welfare. Ability to collaborate with individuals, families and service agencies in the provision of services. Comprehension and application in child welfare competencies: Sense of Mission and Motivation, Communication, Adaptability, Decision-making and Problem-solving, Collaboration and Teaming, Conflict Management, Planning and Organizing, Professional Development, Cultural Responsiveness, Coaching, Guiding and Developing Staff, Strategic Focus, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Team Leadership.
*Important Salary Information*
With the recent implementation of the Child Welfare salary plan funded by the General Assembly beginning in July 2021, front line case managers and supervisors will not only earn higher starting salaries when joining DSS than in previous years, but will also enjoy supplements to their starting salaries upon completion of training, attainment of BSW/MSW degrees for front line case managers, annual increases for years of continuous service, and salary increases upon attainment of established competencies/certifications for moving into Level 2 and Level 3 salaries.
New Child Welfare case managers will earn a starting salary of at least $40k during initial certification, depending on education level and degree type, with up-front starting salary supplements of 2.5% ($41k) and 5% ($42k) for candidates holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, respectfully. Upon completion of training/certification, assignment of caseloads with one year of completed experience, successful trainees will move into the Level 1 salary bracket and will receive at least a 15% salary increase (adjusting their salary to $46,000, $47,150 or $48,300 depending on degree type) at that time. Certification can typically be attained within 6 months of hire.
Upon certification, annual salary increases of up to 0.50% per year will be awarded for each consecutive year a Level 1 case manager remains in his/her class/position.
In January of 2022, DSS plans to roll out additional opportunities for case managers to progress from Level 1 to Levels 2 and 3, with increases in salary averaging 5% for each increase in the case manager’s level of expertise under the salary plan. Level 2 and 3 child welfare staff will also see accelerated annual increases of 1% to 1.5% per year awarded for each continuous year served in his/her class/position.
More Information
- Salary Offers $28,215 a year
