Case Aide in Midland, Michigan at Adoption Option Inc

Adoption Option Inc.
Case Aide
Position Description
Position Summary
The Case Aide provides supportive services to Foster Care and Adoption Case Managers in meeting the day-to-day needs of children, parents, and families. The Case Aide assists with transportation, parenting time and sibling visits, objective observation and documentation, administrative support, file maintenance, drug screening, and other case-related activities.
The Case Aide works as part of the case management team and follows the direction of the assigned Case Manager and Supervisor. The position supports case activities while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and allowing the Case Manager and Supervisor to maintain responsibility for case planning, assessment, and case-related decisions.
This position requires flexibility and may include evening, weekend, overnight, and holiday hours based on the needs of children, families, and the agency. The Case Aide may provide additional support during critical or emergency situations, including hospitalizations, overnight stays, placement disruptions or displacements, urgent transportation needs, and other situations identified by the Case Manager or Supervisor.
Reporting Relationship
The Case Aide reports directly to the assigned Foster Care or Adoption Supervisor and works under the general direction of the Foster Care and Adoption Program Manager.
Essential Responsibilities
Family and Visitation Support
-Assist with transportation for parents and children to and from parenting time, sibling visits, appointments, meetings, and other approved case-related activities.
-Transport children and/or parents to and from visitation locations as needed and authorized.
-Observe parenting time, sibling visits, and other case-related interactions as assigned.
-Maintain a professional and supportive presence during visits and interactions.
-Document observations objectively, factually, and in a timely manner.
-Share observations and relevant information with the assigned Case Manager and Supervisor.
-Provide court testimony when requested regarding direct observations, transportation, and documentation completed by the Case Aide.
-Complete parent drug screenings as directed and document results in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.
-Support children and families during visits and other case-related activities while following direction from the assigned Case Manager or Supervisor.
Case Management Support
-Provide administrative and case-related support to Foster Care and Adoption Case Managers.
-Assist with preparing work documents, forms, reports, correspondence, and other case-related materials.
-Assist with filing, organizing, and maintaining Foster Care and Adoption case records.
-Assist with sending, receiving, and obtaining documents from clients, parents, service providers, courts, DHHS, and other case-related parties as directed.
-Assist Case Managers with gathering and organizing documentation needed for case files.
-Assist with preparing materials for meetings, court hearings, case reviews, visits, and other case-related activities.
-Complete assigned reports and documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
-Enter information into agency-approved systems and databases as assigned.
-Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with agency policy and applicable laws and regulations.
Critical and Emergency Support
-Provide additional support to Case Managers during critical or emergency situations involving children and families.
-Assist during hospital stays, overnight stays, placement disruptions or displacements, emergency transportation needs, and other urgent case-related situations.
-Provide additional staff support when requested by the Case Manager or Supervisor.
Maintain flexibility in scheduling to respond to changing needs of children, families, and the agency.
Professional Responsibilities
-Complete required agency, state, county, and contract-related training within established timeframes.
-Follow Adoption Option Inc. policies and procedures, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requirements, applicable licensing rules and regulations, court requirements, and contract requirements.
-Maintain accurate, timely, and professional documentation.
-Participate in meetings, court hearings, training activities, and other case-related activities as requested.
-Maintain professional communication and appropriate boundaries with children, parents, foster parents, adoptive families, service providers, and other professionals.
-Communicate significant concerns, safety concerns, or changes in circumstances promptly to the assigned Case Manager and/or Supervisor.
-Follow case plans, visitation plans, and other direction established by the Case Manager and Supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Role Expectations
The Case Aide works collaboratively with Case Managers and Supervisors to support children and families. The role emphasizes observation, documentation, communication, transportation, and practical support.
Case Aides are expected to:
-Provide objective and factual observations.
-Communicate relevant information to the assigned Case Manager and Supervisor.
-Follow established case plans, visitation plans, and agency procedures.
Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
-Seek direction from the Case Manager or Supervisor when questions or concerns arise.
-Support Case Managers in completing case-related responsibilities and meeting the needs of children and families.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
-Driving & Travel: Significant driving is required. The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods, day or night, and in varying weather conditions is essential.
-Lifting & Carrying: Ability to regularly lift, move, and secure items or equipment weighing up to 35 lbs (e.g., car seats, luggage, strollers, office supplies, or small children).
-Child Safety Equipment: Ability to physically maneuver, safely install, and secure child safety seats, boosters, and harness systems in personal or agency vehicles.
-Physical Mobility: Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, and ascending/descending stairs while escorting children, carrying belongings, or moving through client homes, offices, and community locations.
-De-escalation & Environment: Ability to maintain physical composure and remain calm in fast-paced, high-stress, emotionally charged, or potentially volatile environments.
Requirements
Education
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant human services field or currently pursuing a bachelor's degree. Equivalent education and/or experience may be considered based on agency needs and applicable requirements.
Experience
Prior experience working with children, families, human services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, or a related field is preferred.
Other Requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to document information objectively, accurately, and timely.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging or crisis situations.
Ability to work independently while following direction from Case Managers and Supervisors.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays when needed.
Ability to respond appropriately to urgent and changing client needs.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
Satisfactory verification of criminal and child abuse
eglect checks.
Satisfactory verification of Sex Offender Registry check.
Valid unrestricted driver's license.
Proof of current automobile insurance.
Reliable transportation.
Ability to safely transport children and/or adults as required by the position.
Successful completion of required agency and job-specific training.
Successful completion of required drug screening/background screening as applicable.
Employee Acknowledgment & Disclaimer
At-Will Employment Disclaimer:
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, express or implied, for any specified duration. Employment with Adoption Option Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the agency may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.