Brenda Hicks

Performs highly complex (senior-level) case management work. Work involves reviewing and tracking case management activities; and assisting in developing goals, objectives, and procedures. May supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Work focuses on the development and oversight of DFPS temporary emergency service locations. Actively evaluates, problem-solves, and coordinates with designated caseworkers and other professionals to help ensure that children and youth in temporary DFPS supervision receive needed services and supports. Actively collaborates with casework, placement services, and other staff to help meet the needs of youth and address identified barriers to placement. Work involves rapport-building, developing healthy routines, deploying effective motivational approaches for youth with complex needs, and active efforts to transition youth to appropriate placement. Personal conduct promotes safety, coordination, and healthy collaboration. Provides direct care and supervision of children and youth who are temporarily without placements at designated DFPS temporary emergency service locations to help achieve specific youth goals and outcomes. Promotes a positive culture as well as a healthy environment for both staff and youth.

Coordinates with internal and external service providers to identify and support youths’ strengths and preferences, address barriers to placement, support smooth transitions, and avoid future placement disruption. May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Taking over cases from Investigation caseworkers after children are removed from their homes and placed in care outside their homes.
• Determining each child’s needs and arranging for additional testing, evaluations, records, or further assessments they need.
• Conducting home studies of family members or family friends (kinship providers) who might care for the child.
• Making sure the people who are caring for the children have what they need and keeping them informed about the case.
• Working with children, families, and communities to plan for a child's permanent living arrangement.
• Finding potential permanent placements for the child by meeting with parents, family members, and other people who are important to the family.
• Making sure families get services to keep their child safe and help them keep their child at home.
• Meeting with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public as well as in their own homes.
• Visiting children at least monthly to see if the child feels safe where they are living and to ensure their needs are being met.
• Participating in court hearings. This includes preparing a family before the hearings, preparing court reports, and testifying in court about the child’s needs, the family’s progress, and the department’s efforts to achieve permanency for the child.
• Transitioning children back home and providing support to the family until the legal case is closed.
• Documenting casework activity.
• Maintaining good working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.

oversees a team of caseworkers investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety of children by reviewing case investigations, making critical decisions regarding child removal and placement, providing guidance and training to staff, and maintaining compliance with child welfare laws and regulations, all while collaborating with other agencies and stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

• Taking over cases from Investigation caseworkers after children are removed from their homes and placed in care outside their homes.
• Determining each child’s needs and arranging for additional testing, evaluations, records, or further assessments they need.
• Conducting home studies of family members or family friends (kinship providers) who might care for the child.
• Making sure the people who are caring for the children have what they need and keeping them informed about the case.
• Working with children, families, and communities to plan for a child's permanent living arrangement.
• Finding potential permanent placements for the child by meeting with parents, family members, and other people who are important to the family.
• Making sure families get services to keep their child safe and help them keep their child at home.
• Meeting with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public as well as in their own homes.
• Visiting children at least monthly to see if the child feels safe where they are living and to ensure their needs are being met.
• Participating in court hearings. This includes preparing a family before the hearings, preparing court reports, and testifying in court about the child’s needs, the family’s progress, and the department’s efforts to achieve permanency for the child.
• Transitioning children back home and providing support to the family until the legal case is closed.
• Documenting casework activity.
• Maintaining good working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.