Case Manager, Children's Initiative

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Children’s Initiative (CI) was designed from the experience and learning reached through the development of the Franklin-McKinley Children’s Initiative, which began in 2009 as a collaborative effort to address systemic barriers, lack of resources, and alignment with the intent of creating a cradle-to-college-and-career pipeline. With the expansion of the Family Resource Center on school campuses and the lessons learned in leveraging resources and building community-rooted initiatives, the Children’s Initiative Model was developed.

The CORAL Expanded Day Learning Program provides a safe and productive learning environment during after-school hours, when juvenile crime and substance abuse often peak. Students in high-quality afterschool programs demonstrate improved academic performance, behavior, and school attendance, as well as higher expectations for their futures. CORAL offers students a structured after-school experience, including healthy snacks, homework assistance, literacy instruction, and enrichment activities such as sports, field trips, and clubs. The program is secular, neutral, and non-ideological.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Families First Community Pathway Prevention Services is designed to assist families in the City of San José who are at imminent risk of entering the child welfare system by providing early intervention and prevention services. Using the “No Wrong Door” service delivery model, the initiative offers comprehensive, community-based, and culturally relevant support. In partnership with the Franklin McKinley Children’s Initiative, it connects families to a variety of prevention services that address underlying risk factors before formal child welfare intervention becomes necessary. Services will target families identified with risk factors that place children at imminent risk of harm or neglect, particularly those with Latino/a/x and African Ancestry children, who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. The Case Manager will use a variety of strategies to engage and support families in Santa Clara County, including but not limited to: goal setting, case planning, case management, home visits, and/or office appointments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Case Management

• Maintain a minimum caseload of 13 families, providing strengths-based, trauma-informed case management and direct services.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client and family needs.
• Collaborate with families to develop individualized service plans and set realistic, achievable goals.
• Educate caregivers about available services, resources, and options.
• Assist families in coordinating care and navigating barriers to services.
• Conduct weekly home visits (or as needed) to monitor progress and offer ongoing support.
• Provide services in a variety of settings, including the home, office, or community locations.
• Coordinate with service providers, schools, and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Empower families to build skills, problem-solve, and advocate for themselves.

Service Documentation & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
• Input and update client information in the AWARDS database.
• Complete all required documentation (e.g., service plans, progress notes, assessments) within program timelines.
• Communicate regularly and collaborate with internal program staff and external partners to support client goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Human Development, or a related field preferred; or equivalent experience with some college coursework.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with families facing challenges such as substance use, domestic violence, and parent-child relationship issues.
  • Lived experience navigating similar systems and services is a plus but not required.
• Group facilitation experience is a plus.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese required.
• Preferred knowledge of child welfare systems, including policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with local community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with clients from various value systems and life experiences.
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing compassionate and supportive services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort using databases.
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a flexible, collaborative work style.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to use standard office equipment (i.e. phone, computer, etc.)
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to drive/travel to clients' homes and agency sites within Santa Clara County.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint.
• Must have TB test performed and submit results.
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will be conducted outdoors and indoors, including but not limited to, agency sites, family resource centers, and client's homes based on availability.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to travel throughout Santa Clara County to conduct home visits, attend meetings, and participate in trainings/conferences.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Some evenings and weekends may be needed due to client availability and program needs.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Persons receiving services in our programs are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.