POSITION SUMMARY The Case Manager is responsible for supporting a caseload of participants, including individuals from the reentry population and those actively involved in street life, as identified by outreach workers. This role involves working closely with the Outreach Team to provide comprehensive, client-centered case management services. Areas of support include employment and education assistance, life skills development, crisis intervention, relationship-building, justice system advocacy, and referrals to community resources. Services are delivered in individual, family, and group settings, with a focus on helping participants reintegrate and thrive as active members of the community.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS Identifies and develops relationships with at risk individuals within target community
Engages participants in interviews to assess needs and determine need for additional services and referrals
Coordinates internal and external services being provided to participant; identifies and arranges resources
Monitors cases by verifying participants' attendance; observing and evaluating activities and responses; advocating for needed services; identifying and connecting to additional resources; intervening in crises; and providing personal support
Supports and teaches as necessary various job readiness workshops to individuals and groups, including: computer skills, communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, conflict mediation, financial literacy, job search and application techniques, resume and cover letter development, interview skills, etc.
Maintains participants' records by inputting case notes, assessments, and events daily in online data system
Communicates participants' progress by engaging in weekly interdisciplinary meetings and evaluations, disseminating results and obstacles to team and family, and identifying program influences.
Prepares participants' exit strategy by reviewing goals and individualized plans, coordinating discharge and post-discharge requirements, orienting and training family members, and providing resources
Develops partnerships with resources that will strengthen support for participants and hold partners accountable as needed
Case Managers are mandated reporters and are expected to work at high level of team engagement
Performs other duties as assigned.
DEMONSTRATED VALUES Independently follows agency policy and procedures
Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
Identifies and resolves difficult issues
Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
A passion for the mission of Breakthrough
QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree preferred in a Human Services field or equivalent social work or social service experience OR minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with people from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds both as colleagues and as clientele.
Experience supporting and working with at-risk youth and street involved youth developing individualized plans for at-risk youth
Awareness of trauma reactions
Familiarity with the concepts of Restorative Justice and experience engaging that philosophy into reentry programs
Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of standard case management protocols
Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability
Demonstrated ability to provide support, empower, and manage individuals
Ability to develop and retain relationships with other service providers
High level of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form
Crisis intervention training or knowledge
Knowledge of Chicago and communities with histories of violence
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable using computer programs to track participant engagement
Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality
Ability to understand and follow safety/security practices and work in high pressure situations
Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring correct grooming
Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through, and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
Sound administrative skills including, including strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially as related to youth, families, poverty, and community development.
Ability to develop strong relationships with diverse groups of citizens, who may have conflicting interests and opinions.
SUPERVISION Direction received from the Case Manager Coordinator.
Does not supervise employees
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment - The employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.
Physical Demands - The employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Safety Requirements - Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance
Equipment Used - The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.
BENEFITS Medical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plan. We pay the full cost of an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
Vision- We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
Life- Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.
Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.
Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.
COMPENSATION $45,000-$50,000/annually