Case Manager

Position Summary

The Case Manager is responsible for the coordination, documentation, and oversight of individualized services for youth placed at New Era. This role ensures that each child receives trauma-informed care and appropriate services through intake, assessment, service planning, and discharge processes as mandated by the Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 748 Subchapter I – Admission, Services, and Discharge.

The Case Manager acts as the central liaison among program staff, DFPS caseworkers, schools, healthcare providers, and caregivers. This position is critical to ensuring compliance with licensing standards, timely documentation, youth advocacy, and interagency communication for the well-being of each child in care.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field (Required)

· Master’s degree in Social Work or related human services field

· Minimum of 1 year of experience in a licensed residential child care setting or equivalent child-serving environment

· Valid Texas Driver’s License, reliable personal vehicle, and liability insurance (Required)

· Must be at least 21 years of age (per TAC §748.103)

· Must pass criminal background check, DFPS Central Registry, and TB test

Key Responsibilities

Intake & Placement

· Coordinate and complete youth intakes, including the collection of admission documentation and facilitation of orientation per TAC §748.1211–§748.1217

· Conduct screenings to determine placement appropriateness in collaboration with the Program Director and Program Manager

· Complete and update CANS 2.0 Assessments, service plans, and individualized treatment plans in accordance with DFPS timelines and TAC §748.1337

· Case Management & Service Coordination

· Serve as the lead case coordinator for all assigned youth, ensuring their emotional, educational, physical, and behavioral needs are met

· Maintain current and organized youth files, including health records, educational portfolios, and legal documentation

· Schedule and monitor all medical, dental, vision, psychiatric, and therapeutic appointments, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation

· Collaborate with the Treatment Director and Medical Care Worker to support youth through a holistic care approach

Education Liaison

· Serve as point of contact for school personnel, participating in ARD/IEP meetings, behavioral planning, and disciplinary reviews

· Advocate for youth academic success and accommodations and attend school meetings and conferences as needed

· Maintain communication with the DFPS Educational Specialist and local ISDs to support school stability and performance

Communication & Documentation

· Provide timely written and verbal updates to DFPS caseworkers regarding youth behavior, progress, incidents, and special needs

· Maintain open and professional communication with DFPS, caregivers, legal representatives, and other external stakeholders

· Track and approve restrictions related to youth communication, room access, or privileges, following New Era policies and TAC §748.1501–§748.1507

· Support documentation and resolution of critical incidents, grievances, and youth safety concerns

Discharge Planning

· Coordinate youth discharge procedures including medical summaries, educational records, belongings, and service referrals

· Ensure all discharge documentation is submitted within DFPS and licensing timelines

· Meetings & Collaboration

· Participate in weekly treatment team meetings, administration meetings, and general staff meetings

· Provide professional advocacy for youth during team staffings and represent youth voice in service planning

· Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation, modeling trauma-informed practices in all interactions

Compliance & Reporting

· Ensure all case management activities align with New Era policies and TAC licensing standards

· Complete and maintain required annual training hours under TAC §748.941–§748.945

· Immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to DFPS and notify the Program Director, as required by TAC §748.1015

Professional Competencies

· Strong written and verbal communication skills for interagency coordination

· Effective documentation and case tracking abilities

· Ability to advocate professionally and ethically in high-stress settings

· Demonstrated trauma-informed and culturally competent practice

· Relationship-building skills across departments, with youth, and with external stakeholders

· Conflict resolution and crisis intervention awareness

Work Conditions

· Office and residential setting requiring mobility across campus and off-site appointments

· May include occasional evening or weekend hours for family visits or discharge support

· Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs and remain calm in crisis situations

Equal Opportunity Statement

New Era is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. New Era fully adheres to all licensing and employment requirements of the Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 748, as governed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person