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Job outlook for foster care case managers in the United States
Foster care case manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected foster care case manager job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for foster care case managers are projected over the next decade.
Foster care case manager salaries have increased 13% for foster care case managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,975 foster care case managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 134,853 active foster care case manager job openings in the US.
The average foster care case manager salary is $39,279.
Are foster care case manager jobs in demand?
Foster care case manager job and salary trends over time
Foster care case manager jobs over time
Foster care case manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,975 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,710 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,726 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,486 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,125 | 0.00% |
Average foster care case manager salary over time
Foster care case manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,279 | $18.88 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $38,296 | $18.41 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $36,865 | $17.72 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $36,177 | $17.39 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $34,746 | $16.70 | +3.2% |
Foster care case manager jobs by state
Most common states for foster care case managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 290 | 42% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 238 | 32% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 407 | 30% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 278 | 26% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,337 | 24% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 212 | 24% |
| 7 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,636 | 23% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,546 | 23% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 737 | 23% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 306 | 23% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,665 | 22% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,312 | 22% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 214 | 22% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 156 | 21% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 132 | 21% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,523 | 20% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,193 | 20% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,131 | 20% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 207 | 20% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 113 | 20% |
Most common cities for foster care case managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dedham | 1 | 4% | $33,560 |
| 2 | Caldwell | 1 | 2% | $36,481 |
| 3 | Fitchburg | 1 | 2% | $33,453 |
| 4 | Springfield | 2 | 1% | $33,782 |
| 5 | Worcester | 2 | 1% | $33,624 |
| 6 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $36,651 |
| 7 | Champaign | 1 | 1% | $45,074 |
| 8 | Columbus | 1 | 1% | $29,663 |
| 9 | Flint | 1 | 1% | $36,840 |
| 10 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $43,974 |
| 11 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $46,814 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $39,907 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $33,493 |
Foster Care Case Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of foster care case manager experts
Lewis University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Elon University
University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Austin Community College
Erikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Gannon University
California University of Pennsylvania
Portland State University
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Freed-Hardeman University
Kansas State University
Kean University
Saginaw Valley State University
Centre College
Auburn University
What will help Foster Care Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Lisa Brown
Assistant ProfessorLewis University
School Counseling Program
What hard/technical skills are most important for Foster Care Case Managers?
Lisa Brown: Because of the prevalence of social/emotional issues within K-12, especially in the last few years, school counselors need to have assessment skills. School counselors need to identify any red flags in their students that may indicate the student is struggling. This goes beyond academics and includes aspects such as interpersonal skills and self-worth.
Similar to assessment is data analysis. The gathering of data does not stop after a student is assessed but rather is just beginning. School counselors are held accountable to demonstrate the interventions they are utilizing are working. Data is also used to secure future funds. If an intervention used within the fall resulted in little change, a school district might not allocate funds to continue to use the same program. School counselors utilize data to demonstrate how effective they are and advocate for additional resources to address social/emotional issues within their student body.
As we learned during COVID-19, school counselors need to be tech-savvy. Many students are still learning remotely or are utilizing a hybrid format. While this has been quite helpful for some students, others are falling through the cracks. School counselors have had to get creative in checking in with their students and are doing so through technology.
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Center for GerontologyVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department of Human Development and Family
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Foster Care Case Managers?
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.: Possibly. Surely there is an impact on the ability of some students to be hired post-graduation. Some students who had positions lined up in the early spring found themselves without a position due to companies/academia/government halting hiring and work. This circumstance has the unfortunate effect of delaying graduates' entry into the job market and of putting them in competition with students who will be entering the job market in 2020. Students who have interests in fields that have a direct, as well as the indirect relationship to healthcare and public health, could find that their skills are in high demand, now and post-COVID.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What soft skills should all Foster Care Case Managers possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Foster Care Case Managers?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills stand out on Foster Care Case Manager resumes?
Monica Burney: Human Service professionals are glad to see skills such as grant writing, new presentation and database technology, a strong background in diversity/equity training when hiring. They also feel more confident about candidates with prior experience in internships or jobs that involve direct contact with clients and professional communication.
What skills will help Foster Care Case Managers earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
What soft skills should all Foster Care Case Managers possess?
Monica Burney: Skilled Human Services professionals demonstrate strong self-awareness and are quick to reflect on how their interactions affect others. They also establish rapport well, ask open-ended questions, and frame conversations with verbal and non-verbal techniques that make people feel comfortable in communication. They are often great collaborators who assess and navigate team dynamics well.
Isaac Karikari Ph.D.
MSW Program Director, Chemical Dependency Minor, Assistant ProfessorUniversity of North Dakota
Department of Social Work
What soft skills should all Foster Care Case Managers possess?
Isaac Karikari Ph.D.: By default, social work practice is integrative. The levels of practice, broadly speaking, the micro-and macro-levels, intersect in ways that may not always be apparent. The capacity for critical and analytical thinking in identifying the nuances, seeing how these levels intersect, and understanding the implications for clients is essential for effective practice.
Relatedly, social work practice involves working with a diverse array of people across different systems and levels. A social worker needs to be able to navigate these systems. Systems thinking and the person-in-environment perspective are relevant.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential in helping one build and make the needed connections. These skills apply across the micro and macro levels.
The capacity to work collaboratively and with interdisciplinary teams is important. Other skills include genuinely demonstrating respect, empathy, reliability, integrity, and adaptability. Forbearance and emotional intelligence are often understated.
Social workers also need to have grit. Achieving and maintaining successful outcomes can be challenging.
Joel Hektner Ph.D.
Professor and Department HeadNorth Dakota State University
Human Development and Family Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Foster Care Case Managers?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Solid knowledge of developmental milestones for children, issues faced by aging adults, and common family relationship challenges.
What skills will help Foster Care Case Managers earn the most?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: The ability to adapt your skills to the context you are in.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What soft skills should all Foster Care Case Managers possess?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: I would refer to this skill set as "essential" and consist of compassion, empathy, teamwork, the ability to listen, a sense of humor, and most importantly, the ability to practice self-care. I include self-care in this list because working in the human service field can be exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. Taking care of ourselves helps to prevent burnout and possibly leaving the profession.
What skills stand out on Foster Care Case Manager resumes?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Service to the community such as volunteer work at a food bank or camp counselor for those with physical or mental exceptionalities.
b. Consumer or customer service experience is essential, and experience dealing with the retail industry, food industry, and case management definitely stand out.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Foster Care Case Managers?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.
Associate Professor,DirectorErikson Institute- Graduate School in Child Development
Social Work Program
What will help Foster Care Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Cassandra McKay-Jackson Ph.D.: Being licensed and receiving training in trauma-informed social work as well as telehealth services will promote great potential for earning. Many clients may continue to enjoy the convenience of telehealth services, especially those in areas where transportation to clinics is cost prohibitive. Individuals who have knowledge in child development and anti-oppressive social work practice will also find a wealth of opportunities in today's climate due to the trauma experienced by children, adolescents, and adults with the double pandemics of Covid-19 and racial reckoning.
What will help Foster Care Case Managers increase their earning potential?
Parris Baker: Social Work - social work students should receive graduate education and training in clinical social work and learn indigenous healing therapies. Specialization with adolescents/young adults and geriatrics. Attaining licensure in social
Mortuary Science - students who acquire knowledge of indigenous death care customs will increase their customer base and the relationships with diverse communities. This will ultimately translate into greater profits long term. The funeral home industry is changing rapidly. More people are opting for cremations rather than traditional burials (partially related to COVID-19). Green burials (also referred to as natural burial) are becoming more popular with millennials. The body is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.
What's a day at work look like for a Foster Care Case Manager?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Recent graduates may find it more difficult to find work in traditional settings. Although many agencies in our area have openings, they are either scaling back until the pandemic is over or they are asking recent graduates to do more work if they get new positions. Recent graduates are asked to be more skillful and ready to take on challenging cases as soon as they start their post-master's employment.
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Counselor Education, School Counseling Program CoordinatorPortland State University
Counselor Education Department
What's a good job out of college for Foster Care Case Managers?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: Upon graduating with a master's degree in school counseling, I highly recommend students pursue a job as a licensed school counselor in a P-12 setting where they develop and facilitate a comprehensive school counseling program for elementary, middle or high school students. The need for highly-skilled, effective, and culturally-responsive school counselors is growing and there are not enough qualified professionals to fill these critical roles in our school communities.
What's a good job out of college for Foster Care Case Managers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to continue to grow your skills and abilities and deepen your character. Your degree and existing skills get you in the door, and continual acquisition of skills is required to maintain employment and to advance.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Foster Care Case Managers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: It is quite likely that the pandemic will have lasting effects on the nature and the availability of work. The nature of work will change, with businesses anticipating a permanent shift to telework for a portion of their positions (Handwerker et al. 2020). Telework is heavily utilized in the types of professionalized positions sought by most college graduates. It is also possible that employers will take more active steps to address racism in the workplace given the prominence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The availability of work will also likely be depressed for a number of years. It took over five years for the labor market to recover after the Great Recession (Handwerker et al. 2020). The occupations hardest hit by the pandemic-related recession include hospitality, tourism, and recreation, health services, professional and business services, trade, arts and entertainment, and education (Handwerker et al. 2020), including higher education (Langin 2020).
What technical skills for a Foster Care Case Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: Employers look for oral and written communication skills, the ability to work effectively in diverse teams, analytical and quantitative reasoning, and the ability to adapt to new technologies (Ciabattari et al. 2018). Employers specifically prefer college graduates who have experience applying these skills through internships, service learning, senior projects or collaborative research, field projects, or study abroad (Ciabattari et al. 2018).
References
Ciabattari Teresa, Lowney Kathleen S., Monson Renee A., Senter Mary Scheuer, and Chin
Jeffrey. 2018. "Linking Sociology Majors to Labor Market Success." Teaching Sociology 46 (3): 191-207.
Handwerker, Elizabeth Weber, Peter B. Meyer, and Joseph Piacentini. 2020. "Employment
Recovery in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic." Monthly Labor Review, December, 1-24.
Langin, Katie. 2020. "U.S. faculty job market tanks." Science 370(6514): 272-273.
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Foster Care Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The biggest trends in the current job market include both technical skills and people skills that can be adapted to multiple settings and with a high degree of cultural intelligence (CQ). Many services are adapting to an online, virtual, or personal-delivery format. This has impacted everything from higher education with virtual classes, and telehealth and virtual service delivery models in medical and mental health services, to products ordered online and being delivered to one's doorstep in lieu of large malls and physical stores. Current job applicants must be able to respectfully engage with people from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as help meet the needs of their communities as a direct reflection of the companies and careers they represent.
I encourage my students to embrace 'comfort being uncomfortable' and always be learning. What appears to be a "hot market" or "best" career option today may not be the same answer next year. Being able to engage with all people respectfully, listen well, and provide innovative solutions in a sensitive way will go a long way in whatever developments come along in the current and future job market. I also encourage those looking for work to review their social media accounts - employers check social media accounts and one's digital footprint can make or break an interview based on what one posts, as well as reveal a great deal about one's character and values. Skills and technical abilities should be as diversified and multidisciplinary as possible; however, one's character and values should consistently tell a single story about the applicant as a person.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Foster Care Case Managers?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: There is a growing sentiment that generalist knowledge and interdisciplinary education is the way of the future. We are coming out of a "specialist" mindset that previously encouraged students to find their "one thing" or passion. Once the job market shifts (and it will), those with outdated skills find themselves struggling to find their next "one thing." In his New York Times Bestselling book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019), David Epstein makes a case for generalist knowledge and the importance of developing several interests in lieu of only having one major focus. I agree with Epstein's thesis and encourage students to consider studying social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, especially if they are unsure what path or major they are interested in. Having time and dedicated focus to explore interests, personal strengths, and areas of development can help university students experience multiple fields of inquiry that will help them in the current ever-changing job market. Having an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to finding creative solutions from different perspectives will advance one's career in almost any market.
I also encourage students to take every opportunity to understand other cultures and perspectives. If able to travel (post-pandemic) on a study abroad, live abroad, or take a short-term trip, then by all means do it. It will expand one's worldview and perspective, as well as one's ability to see the humanity in others from different backgrounds. Employers appreciate applicants who can relay experiences engaging people from different backgrounds and display evidence of emotional and cultural intelligence. If unable to travel internationally, then engage with diverse populations locally and learn from books, articles, documentaries and movies that add to one's cultural awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, having foundational knowledge in technology and statistical literacy can go a long way in almost any field. Current job applicants who display familiarity with MS Office, Google Suite or other common applications can apply this knowledge to most career paths. Many skills and certifications are generalizable to other fields and career paths, so it is important to take every opportunity to always be learning and developing one's understanding.
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health CounselingFreed-Hardeman University
Counseling Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Foster Care Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Dalton Ph.D.: The pandemic has forced a shift to technology-assisted interactions in a wide variety of areas including education. I do not expect education to remain as reliant upon technology-assisted interaction as it has been in the past year. Neither do I expect our nation to return to almost complete reliance upon face-to-face interactions. Instead, I believe we will see technology-assisted education and technology-assisted school counseling integrated into the services of the majority of K-12 schools. Therefore, I believe we will see an increase in distance interactions with students through school counseling. Large districts may long-term employ some school counselors from off-site, or may incorporate off-site counselors into the services they provide.
Additionally, the pandemic has not decreased the mental health and wellness needs of our students, but instead has further demonstrated the existence of these needs and the difficulty many schools and communities have in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations. I expect this to lead to an increase in services that are provided by or integrated into schools including mental health counseling and trauma-informed counseling and services.
For both reasons, I expect school counseling jobs to have a greater variety of opportunities in the years ahead.
What soft skills should all Foster Care Case Managers possess?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: Social workers engage with vulnerable populations, many of whom have histories of traumatic experiences. Thus, high emotional intelligence will allow social workers to best connect with clients and help them reach their goals.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Foster Care Case Managers?
Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: COVID-19 has changed society and the way it interacts with its environment, both in negative and positive ways. Because of the necessary adaptations we've all had to make, the market world has found value in remote work. With mental health, this opens opportunities to provide services across state lines, and across county lines. Making treatment more accessible, and positively impacting private practice owners business. In negative ways, we have seen people really need more connection due to the isolation experienced over the year. I think graduates are in a wonderful place to help create those connections for those feeling depressed and along, but they are also in a challenging place of trying to heal themselves from the same woes.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Foster Care Case Managers?
Michael Heron: There will be enduring impacts on graduates due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this cohort of graduates in 2021 will not be given the opportunity to build relationships and network in-person the way that past students have had the opportunity to do. Interpersonal skills are important for people starting out in their professional lives or starting a new career path and like a muscle that does not get worked these can become difficult to use after months of social distancing or isolation. Many people find jobs or other opportunities through the connections they make in college and the networks they build. Online learning has likely limited the number of interactions with new people and stifled the opportunity to strengthen current relationships that create opportunities in the future.
One thing that may be a positive impact due to the pandemic is that the 2021 graduates will be much more well-versed in online content delivery which will benefit them in a post-COVID world. We are finding out that the classic office setting is not as necessary as we thought and working from home while "Zooming" in will become more prevalent. The students now have been able to hone the skills necessary for this in the laboratory of the classroom. For those in the health and human services fields this will benefit telehealth and service delivery in areas that have previously lacked resources.
What technical skills for a Foster Care Case Manager stand out to employers?
Michael Heron: Critical thinking skills, interpersonal communication skills, and being proactive. Employers want problem solvers not just someone who can take direction. Critical thinking is important to solve problems and to show that you can be trusted to get things done correctly. Interpersonal skills are important because effective communication is paramount in a high functioning office, agency, or organization. Lastly, being proactive is something that any employer would want to see from their staff. It, again, shows that you are looking to solve problems and can do that before the problems even arise.
What's a good job out of college for Foster Care Case Managers?
William Weston: Anything that pays the bills. Honest work is ennobling.
OK, jobs that serve others are more satisfying that those that just make money. Human service jobs lead to all kinds of other careers.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What skills stand out on Foster Care Case Manager resumes?
Adam Greer: Clearly, the distance/online working skills will stand out with our HDFS majors. Our students have a strong foundation in learning to work with people, and now they have a new way to work with people and remove barriers that might have previously prevented an in-person meeting.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Foster Care Case Manager job market given the pandemic?
Adam Greer: I think the biggest trend we will see are more people working from home/distance. Our HDFS students have quickly learned how to work from home and be as efficient, if not more efficient, than before the pandemic started.