Social Work Case Manager - Roles and Responsibilities - Purpose and Primary Role

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Violet

Defines the purpose and core responsibilities of the Social Work Case Manager (SWCM) for children placed in Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC). Details how SWCM initiates the TFC referral application, coordinates ongoing communication with the family, child, TFC resource parent(s), and the Therapeutic Case Manager (TCM), and aligns service planning with relevant public systems. Explains key duties including case planning documentation, visit scheduling, school updates, status meeting participation, court-related communication, parent support, interaction planning, and transition readiness monitoring. Includes recommended strategies, supervision frequency, discretionary wraparound resources, and year-round training.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Primary Role

Strategies and approaches

Resources

Social Work Case Manager ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PURPOSE Children in Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) receive daily care, guidance, and modeling from specialized, highly trained, and skilled foster parents. TFC families receive support and supervision from private foster care agencies with the purpose of stabilizing a child’s mental/behavioral health issues, facilitating children’s timely and successful transition into permanent placements (e.g., reunification, adoption, or independent living), and achieving individualized goals and outcomes based upon a comprehensive, multifocal care plan. The Social Work Case Manager (SWCM) begins the referral process to TFC through application. They maintain regular contact with the family, child, TFC Resource Parent(s) and TCM throughout the TFC placement. The SWCM will collaborate closely with the TCM; there is intentional alignment of services and service planning with Iowa Medicaid and its managed care partners, HHS Mental Health and Disability Services, education, and others to assist the SWCM with TFC placement and service provision. Statewide SWCM’s will receive training on the TFC process and necessary elements for referral. Primary Role The Social Work Case Manager (SWCM): ▪ Conducts the initial Therapeutic Foster Care referral application process. ▪ Develops the Case Permanency Plan Form 470-3453 ▪ Maintains active communication with the Therapeutic Case Manager, to incorporate the clinical needs of the child into the course of the service plan and TFC placement. ▪ Documents the schedule of visits with the child and logs communication with the Resource Parent. ▪ Shares timely updates with the school-of-origin, to notify the school of the TFC placement and facilitates any key special education/IEP updates with the family, TFC and TCM. ▪ Participates as necessary in status meetings to address placement progress or barriers to progress with members such as: The Therapeutic Case Manager, Guardian Ad Litem (and other key legal parties), School representative, family and other key paraprofessionals who serve the child. ▪ Communicates with legal parties to ensure that the parameters of court recommendations are supportive of the TFC placement and the service plan. ▪ Develops and maintains a supportive relationship with the parent(s) of the child, to support reunification. ▪ Encourages and supports the parent in communicating with and co-parenting with the TFC provider. ▪ Completes interaction plan in conjunction with Resource Parent, TCM and the FCS provider agency. This should include regular weekly interactions. ▪ Monitors parental readiness for the child’s return to their home, engages FCS to assist with implementing necessary skills to meet the ongoing needs of their child upon return to the family home. ▪ Assists in transition to subsequent placement, depending on the service needs of the child. Strategies and approaches The SWCM should: ▪ Reach out to the Social Work Supervisor with questions about the foster care system, the relationship with the parent or child, or other matters related to the safety, permanency and well-being of the child. ▪ Reach out to the Therapeutic Case Manager with questions about the treatment needs of the child, including the role of other clinical service providers. Resources The following supports are available: ▪ The SWCM will receive, at minimum, specific bi-weekly (every two weeks) supervision to navigate the progress and course of the TFC case. ▪ The respective Service Area shall arrange the necessary steps to ensure that the SWCM has immediate access to discretionary resources to support child/family needs and well-being through the facilitation of wraparound (flex) funds. ▪ Training will be offered throughout the year to support SWCMs that have children placed in TFC.

FAQs

What is the purpose of Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) as described in the document?

TFC provides daily care, guidance, and modeling through specialized foster parents. It aims to stabilize a child’s mental/behavioral health, support timely transition into permanent placements, and achieve individualized goals through a comprehensive care plan.

What are the SWCM’s primary responsibilities during the TFC placement?

The SWCM conducts the initial TFC referral application, develops the Case Permanency Plan Form 470-3453, maintains active communication with the TCM and the family system, documents visits and communication, updates the school-of-origin, and participates in necessary status meetings.

What supports and resources are available to SWCMs?

SWCMs receive at least bi-weekly supervision, the service area arranges immediate access to discretionary wraparound (flex) funds, and training is offered throughout the year for SWCMs with children placed in TFC.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Violet