Care Manager Support Specialist in Woodland Park, New Jersey at The Circle of Care For Families and Children of Passaic County Inc

Circle of Care for Families and Children of Passaic County, Inc (COC) is seeking a Care Manager Support Specialist (CMSS) to join our team. This position provides a unique opportunity to learn and develop the skills necessary to grow into a Care Manager role while gaining hands-on experience working with youth, families, community providers, and system partners.

During the training and development period, the Care Manager Support Specialist will work alongside Care Managers, support team activities, and gradually assume responsibility for a caseload of approximately 12–13 families. The CMSS helps families identify their strengths and needs, builds supportive Child Family Teams, accesses community resources, and develops plans that promote stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

The Care Manager Support Specialist position is an opportunity to learn, develop, and grow into the Care Manager role while making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families. You'll gain practical experience in family engagement, care planning, community resources, advocacy, documentation, and the Child Family Team process.

Key Responsibilities.

In this role, you will:

• Learn and apply the Wraparound philosophy and Nurtured Heart approach when working with youth and families.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and advocate for youth and families through the Child Family Team (CFT) process.
• Help families identify strengths and needs using established assessment tools.
• Assist with developing, implementing, monitoring, and adjusting individualized plans based on family needs and available resources.
• Build and lead the CFT process, through use of a strength-based model, and facilitate the transition towards self-sufficiency.
• Connect youth and families with community resources, including mental health services, housing resources, social service benefits, recreational programs, and after-school services.
• Attend meetings with Circle of Care staff and community/system partners, which may include schools, courts, DCP&P, and out-of-home treatment providers.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency requirements and state regulations, including Medicaid and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete required training and certifications.
• Provide additional team support as needed, including administrative assistance, transportation, and coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice)
• 0-2 years of experience in a related field
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Ability to travel by automobile to meet with youth, families, and community partners
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings and evenings, based on the needs of youth and families

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual, Spanish and Arabic

Competencies

Because this position works directly with families and multiple community partners, the successful candidate should also be comfortable managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, following detailed processes, and using interpersonal skills to collaborate, advocate, negotiate, and resolve challenges.

We're looking for someone who demonstrates strong:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-Solving
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Planning & Organization
• Cultural Competence
• Computer Skills

Work Environment

This is a community-based position that includes work in an office setting as well as travel to residential and community environments in Passaic County. This role requires regular automobile travel and may involve exposure to changing weather conditions.

About Circle of Care

At Circle of Care, our goal is to help youth remain at home, in their community, and in school while supporting families in building sustainable systems of support and greater self-sufficiency.

All Circle of Care employees are expected to embrace and support our mission, philosophy, values, and Code of Conduct, which align with the guiding principles of the Children's System of Care.

Our Care Manager Support Specialists receive an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, a wellness program, and generous paid time off (PTO) while working in a positive work culture.

Circle of Care is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a culture that embraces all.