Child Welfare Casework Associate

Child Welfare Casework Associate

Are you experienced in child welfare case management and passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families by supporting social workers? Do you have a strong background in family and safety assessments, case reviews, and SARs? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

As a Child Welfare Casework Associate, you'll be the backbone of our Human Services team, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Think of yourself as the go-to person for tackling complex administrative tasks that support social workers, allowing them to focus on what they do best-helping children and families. You'll be the bridge between Case Aide Generalists and Specialists, managing detailed case tasks that require deeper Child Welfare knowledge while ensuring everything is done accurately and efficiently.

Clear, proactive communication is key in this role, as you'll be collaborating with case workers and other involved parties to keep things moving seamlessly. If you love organizing, problem-solving, and making a real impact, this is the job for you!

What You Bring to the Table

Must-Haves:

• Experience in a child welfare agency

• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and full-coverage auto insurance

• Ability to pass a BCI and FBI background check

• Authorization to work in the U.S.

• A reliable cell phone for work-related communication

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience working in an Adoptions Unit or supporting adoption-related processes

• An Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Business Administration, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field (or actively pursuing one!)

• A licensed social worker credential

• Familiarity with state document management systems like SACWIS, Traverse, etc.

What You'll Be Doing:

Be the ultimate support system - Help keep Child Welfare operations running smoothly by managing records requests, processing documentation, coordinating referrals, researching community resources, tracking visit documentation, and assisting with case audits.

Be a subject matter expert - Lead the way in completing family and safety assessments, case reviews, and SARs, ensuring all casework meets regulatory, compliance and customer standards.

Stay organized & efficient - Handle a high volume of administrative tasks with accuracy and speed, ensuring compliance with all state documentation requirements.

Solve problems like a pro - Prioritize and efficiently resolve case tickets, all while identifying ways to improve processes and enhance workflow.

Keep communication flowing - Work closely with case workers and agency staff, converting requests into actionable items while ensuring timely, professional responses.

Lead & train - Support case aide training by sharing your knowledge, answering questions, and helping the team level up their skills.

Step up when needed - Serve as a senior resource and provide backup support to Case Aide Specialists, ensuring seamless service continuity.

Protect confidentiality - Handle sensitive client and case information with discretion and professionalism.

Promote inclusion & equity - Foster a positive, welcoming, and diverse workplace where every team member and client feels supported.

And of course... other tasks as needed!

Why You'll Love This Role

• You'll truly make a difference in the lives of children and families.

• You'll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team that values your contributions.

• Every day is different-no boring routines here!

• You'll grow your skills and experience in child welfare, social services, and case management.

You'll Be a Great Fit If You...

Crush deadlines & juggle priorities - You have top-tier time management skills and can handle multiple projects with a sense of urgency.

Are resourceful & adaptable - You don't just wait for answers-you find them. You're proactive and thrive in ever-changing environments.

Are tech-savvy - You're comfortable with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and other digital tools that keep case management running smoothly.

Are a team player - You collaborate well with others and foster a positive work environment.

Communicate like a pro - You have strong verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and professionalism at all times.

Know child welfare principles & practices - You understand the importance of compliance, confidentiality, and best practices in this field.

Work Environment & Expectations

Occasional travel may be required.

Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods as needed.

If you're looking for a meaningful, engaging, and fast-paced role where you can put your skills to good use while supporting an incredible mission, we want to hear from you!

What we provide

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with an H.S.A. option

• Short- and long-term disability

• Company paid basic life insurance

• 401(k) with 3.5% company match and immediate vesting

• Free financial education and consultation

• Wellness program that helps you earn lower premiums

• Robust EAP program that includes free therapy sessions, lifestyle coaching, legal/ID theft services, and more

• 12 weeks fully paid parental leave

• Up to $5,000 adoption fee reimbursement

• $500 wellness reimbursement after 60 days of employment

• Generous PTO policy and 10 company paid holidays

• Company paid cell phone plan

Find yourself checking a lot of these boxes but doubting whether you should apply? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Northwoods, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Northwoods is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are excited to work with talented people, period. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or civil status, political affiliation, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Who is Northwoods?

Northwoods makes software solutions that improve the quality of the life of case managers and social workers in the Health and Human Services (HHS) field. Recognized as one of Columbus' top places to work, working at Northwoods means being part of a team that's passionate about making an impact on the lives of HHS professionals and the families they serve.

We believe in creating a culture of inclusivity and accountability seeking to hire professional, passionate and driven individuals that believe in the values that we believe in:

1. Curiosity - Willing to test assumptions, courage to ask questions, and active listening.

2. Community - Helping and mentoring each other, celebrating diversity and acknowledging our team members' contributions.

3. Resourcefulness - Willing to try and fail. Asking for help and trusting the expertise of our team.

4. Stewardship - Safeguarding Northwoods' values, culture, mission, and resources.

We believe that our team members are all accountable adults, not only to themselves but to each other, and we treat them that way. Our team works incredibly hard and is proven through dedication to their craft and our mission.

Our Solutions

Our products are designed for state and county social care program areas, including child welfare, childcare, child support, economic assistance and adult & aging agencies. These solutions leverage technology to allow case workers and social workers to easily collect, store, manage, and share case content and data more efficiently. By simplifying processes, our customers can spend more time engaging with the families they serve, make better informed decisions and achieve better outcomes.

Traverse - A SaaS solution that allows for easy, on-the-go access to case files, case work and interview forms and intelligent insights on case content and materials, which lead to better engagement and better outcomes.

Compass - Compass solution is some of our longer standing software that supports multiple markets for both state and county customers. Our focus on reducing time wasted on paperwork and administrative burdens allows case workers to better serve families in need.

Case Aide Services - Our trusted team of experienced child welfare professionals becomes an extension of agency staff supporting them with administrative tasks such as referral and records requests, compiling documents for court, and document organization. Workers can focus on fostering healthier families without sacrificing their own well-being.