Become a DCS family case manager and make a difference.
Join the Department of Child Services in our mission to transform the lives of Indiana’s most vulnerable citizens: Hoosier children and families suffering from abuse or neglect. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community. If you feel driven to make this purpose your career, we encourage you to apply to be a family case manager (FCM). These hardworking and dedicated professionals establish meaningful relationships with families and communities to assess safety and risk concerns and take action when needed. Together, we promote healthier and stronger families and communities.
The starting salary for a new family case manager is $47,320.
What are we looking for?
Because of the sensitive nature of this work, we are seeking those who have a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Our family case managers are strong, dedicated, organized and prepared for anything. They possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. They demonstrate empathy and possess the ability to put judgment aside with families; recognize, assess, and affirm family strengths; and use critical-thinking skills to solve complex problems.
What are the responsibilities of an FCM?
Family case managers protect children from abuse and neglect, maintain or reunify families whenever possible, and locate permanent home or independent living for children who cannot be reunited with their families. There are two main types of family case managers:
- Assessment FCMs
Family case mangers working in assessment assess allegations of abuse/neglect and refer clients to appropriate services. Extensive case documentation is required, which includes preparing court reports and social histories. An FCM must have family-engagement skills to work with families in mitigating risk and enhancing safety that will be used in both the office, client homes, and in the community. FCMs advocate for families and children, testify in court and de-escalate potentially volatile situations. Assessment FCMs collaborate with law enforcement, schools, medical personnel, mental health agencies, the courts and providers.
- Permanency FCMs
Family Case Managers in permanency direct casework specializing in child protection, family- and adolescent-crisis response, delinquency and parent/child conflict, emancipation planning and facilitating adoptions. The FCM must have family engagement skills to work with families in mitigating risk and enhancing safety that will be used in both the office, client homes, and in the community. Extensive case documentation is required, which includes preparing court reports and social histories, coordinating resources, and collaborating with service providers, courts, the community, schools, and assessment centers.
Both FCM positions require unscheduled evening and weekend work.
Qualifications (Preferred Experience):
Potential family case managers must meet one of the following education/experience requirements:
- Bachelor's degree; or
- Associate degree with a minimum of two years of human services job experience; or
- Completion of 30 college credit hours from an accredited institution with a minimum of four years of human services job experience; or
- A minimum of at least five years of human services job experience
Special Requirements:
Potential new hires will require a background check which will include:
- Limited Criminal History – State Police
- Sex Offender Registry
- Driver’s License - Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Fingerprinting – National Criminal History (FBI)
- Pre-Employment Drug Screening
- Past Employment reference check
- Educational verification – transcripts required
- Child Protective Services (CPS) check
Once the candidate is hired, the first twelve (12) weeks consists of on-the-job training in Indianapolis. Candidates must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license/insurance, and the ability to travel and be on call.
Apply today
View all current openings for new family case managers.