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Permanency Case Manager Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Permanency Case Manager information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$14

$24

$37

How much do permanency case manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for permanency case manager in Fort Smith, AR is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a permanency case manager?

Permanency case managers are professionals who work within child welfare systems to help children in foster care achieve permanent, stable living situations. Their primary goal is to ensure that each child either returns safely to their biological family, is adopted, or placed under legal guardianship. They coordinate with families, courts, and service providers to develop and implement plans tailored to each child's needs. Permanency case managers also monitor progress, advocate for the child's best interests, and offer support throughout the process. This role requires strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permanency case manager?

To thrive as a Permanency Case Manager, you need a background in social work or a related field, typically with a bachelor's degree and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, state child welfare systems, and documentation tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, empathy, and the ability to manage high-stress situations help you build trust with children and families. These skills are crucial for ensuring child safety, supporting family stability, and achieving positive permanency outcomes.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by permanency case managers, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Permanency Case Managers often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, navigating complex family dynamics, and coordinating with multiple service providers. New hires can best prepare by developing strong organizational skills, maintaining clear communication, and seeking regular supervision or peer support to manage emotional stress. Building a solid understanding of child welfare laws and local resources also helps in providing effective support to children and families working toward stable, long-term solutions.

What is the difference between Permanency Case Manager vs Child Welfare Case Manager?

AspectPermanency Case ManagerChild Welfare Case Manager
CredentialsRelevant social work or counseling certifications, state licensingSimilar certifications, often requiring social work background
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, foster care systemsChild protective services, foster care agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits focused on family reunification and permanencyChild protective services, social service agencies
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving permanency planning and foster careMore focused on child protection and safety

Both roles involve working with children and families, but Permanency Case Managers primarily focus on establishing permanent living arrangements, such as reunification or adoption, while Child Welfare Case Managers concentrate on child safety and protective services. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and career goals.

What job categories do people searching Permanency Case Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Permanency Case Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Permanency Case Manager jobs?

Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Permanency Case Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Permanency Case Manager job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,687 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse I, II, or III

State of Oklahoma

Heavener, OK • On-site

$71K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse I, II, or III

Agency: 452 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERV.

Supervisory Organization: Carl Albert CMHC

Job Type: Regular

Full time

Job Description:

Positions are assigned responsibilities for providing direct or indirect professional nursing services in a variety of settings. This includes providing nursing assessments, planning, interventions, evaluations, health related education, case management, and execution of the medical regime including administering medications and treatments prescribed by any person authorized to prescribe by state law.

Job Type/Salary:

  • One (1) Vacancy
  • Application period: August 12, 2026 until filled
  • Full time.
  • Annual Salary up to $71,500 (Salary based on experience)
  • Primary Working Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

  • RN III - Bachelor's in Nursing and possession of a valid permanent Oklahoma license as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or Registered Nurse license recognized by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (ENLC) and one year of professional nursing experience OR Associate in Nursing and two years of professional nursing experience OR Associate in Nursing and three years of LPN experience in psychiatric nursing.
  • RN II - Bachelor's in nursing and possession of a valid permanent Oklahoma license as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or Associate in Nursing and one year of professional nursing experience or Associate in Nursing and two years of LPN experience in psychiatric nursing.
  • RN I - Associate in Nursing and possession of a valid permanent Oklahoma license as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

Special Requirements:

  • Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill any job-related travel normally associated with this position and as such have a valid driver's license.
  • Upon a conditional offer of employment, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services applicants must submit to a physical examination and shall meet the physical examination requirements of occasionally lifting/carrying 50 pounds and able to push and pull a maximum force of 25 pounds.

Benefit Highlights:

ODMHSAS is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Our benefits include:

  • Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
  • A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
  • Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
  • Employee assistance programs and health and fitness programs
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year
  • Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
  • Longevity Bonus for years of service
  • Student Loan repayment options
  • Training opportunities for CEU requirements

Drug and Alcohol Pre-employment and Pre-placement Testing: Upon a conditional offer of employment, applicants for safety sensitive positions shall be required to submit to urinalysis to test for drugs. Appointment to a safety sensitive position shall be contingent upon a negative drug test result.

About us: Operated by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center (CACMHC) is a fully accredited 15-bed psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic. Other CACMHC offices located in Southeastern Oklahoma are—Holdenville Satellite, Heavener Satellite, Hugo Satellite, Idabel Satellite, Stigler Satellite, Atoka Satellite and Ada PACT.

THIS AGENCY REQUIRES COVERAGE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS PER WEEK. WORK HOURS AND LOCATION MAY VARY DEPENDING ON BUSINESS NECESSITY. EMPLOYEES MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK WEEKENDS AND OVERTIME.

Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.