Case Manager Youth Engagement at Goodwill Industries of SE WIS in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

The Case Manager Youth Engagement is responsible for providing pre- and post-employment case management services, social services navigation, coaching, and other supportive services to youth ages 16 - 24 within Metro Chicago.

RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL:

Assume primary responsibility for providing pre- and post-employment case management services, social services navigation, coaching, and other supportive services to youth ages 16 - 24 within Metro Chicago. The Case Manager provides support and resources to individuals in need of support to the underserved population and address barriers to employment to include transportation, soft and hard skills development, access to critical resources such as housing and healthcare, and other social, cultural, and environmental conditions that impact the individual's life. The Case Manager will help to identify areas of need and work with the individual to identify goals and develop plans to address these barriers in an effort to allow the individual to prepare for, secure and maintain employment.

Implements strategies to achieve the goals for the organization and Mission Services. Implements, revises, and sustains policies, procedures and programs. Typically works on projects and initiatives that span 3 - 12 months.

Additional Information:

This position is funded through a grant and is therefore temporary, with a duration of 3 - 12 months depending on grant renewal. Candidates should be aware of the temporary nature of the position and be prepared to fulfill the outlined responsibilities within the specified timeframe.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. Support initial intake and assessment with Workforce Connection Center staff to identify areas of need and develop appropriate program plans to address needs.

2. Develop, in conjunction with the youth, a development plan that identifies area(s) of need, sets goals, and outlines a plan for achievement of goals.

3. Provide individualized case management services to youth and young adults based on individual needs and program plans. Case management services may include information and referral to necessary community supports.

4. Provide skill development and job coaching services where necessary based on the needs of the individual served.

5. Clearly record individual progress through services and completed all documentation and reporting within established timeframes using the company provide software.

6. Comply with applicable CARF standards, defer, state and local laws.

7. Comply with agency policies, procedures, contractual guidelines, safety and security regulations and rules protecting participant confidentiality.

8. Conduct employee outreach efforts in order to explain the available services.

9. Attend all internal and external meetings and trainings as required.

10. Project and Change Management: Effectively plans and manages own work to reliably complete routine job responsibilities and special assignments. May serve as a team member or subject matter expert on formal projects or within the department. Effectively engages in change affecting her/him, communicating appropriately with supervisor. Follows through on learning, skill building, and practice necessary to adapt to change.

11. Problem Solving: Light supervision; works independently. Periodic review of work by manager or senior coworker. Solves problems of moderate to advanced complexity; able to identify root cause, interpret data and resolve issues.

12. Technical Skill: Understands and applies professional principles and skills within area of specialization to modify processes to resolve situations.

13. Community Engagement: Champions Goodwill's community engagement initiatives and serves as an ambassador for Goodwill in the wider community.

14. Responsible for completing other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Two years of college education or experience equivalency. A minimum of 3 years of experience providing individual counseling and/or coaching to diverse youth and young adults seeking employment and advancement in their careers. Experience using various career explorations tools and assessments as well as experience interpreting local labor market information.

2. Experience in one or more of the following: Social Services, Education, Nonprofit Management, Community Leadership and Development, Communications, Government sectors, or a related field.

3. Knowledge of job training methods, techniques, and principles preferred.

4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word) and ability to learn and effectively use various Workforce Development Information systems.

5. Ability to interact in positive, motivational and supportive manner, providing guidance to job seekers with very diverse background, including but not limited to veterans, returning citizens, GED/non-high school graduates, and persons with disabilities.

6. Able to work flexible hours and travel to multiple work locations as needed.

7. Must have a valid driver's license.

CORE CULTURAL COMPETENCIES:

1. Customer Focus: Independently anticipate and meet customer needs, while searching for ways to improve customer service. Internalize customer feedback, and follow up with customer to ensure problems are solved by providing innovative ideas to meet their future needs.

2. Values Differences: Seeks out the diverse perspectives and talents of others, striving to work effectively with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds or styles. Behave with sensitivity towards differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. Challenge stereotyping or offensive comments.

3. Communicates Effectively: Shares information and updates with others, while ensuring a clear, concise and professional communication through reports, documentation, written and other communications. Listens with interest to what others have to say.

4. Situational Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility of responses to different situations through adapting to the changing needs, conditions, priorities or opportunities. Monitors how well an approach is working to see if a change is needed, recognizing cues that suggest a change in approach or behavior is needed.

5. Drives Results: Demonstrates a strong drive to achieve meaningful results, through driving tasks to successful completion and closure. Sets high standards for own performance, showing determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

6. Ensures Accountability: Takes responsibility and ownership for successes and failures in own work. Monitors progress of performance and changes approach accordingly, following through on commitments.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY DEMANDS:

Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 20 pounds. Moves about to accomplish tasks. The worker is subject to weather conditions (hot, humid, dry, cold, etc.). Repetitive use of hands and feet as needed for job employment support activities. Remain stationary or must stand for extended periods of time. Vision Required while using computer keyboard and working with written and electronic information, travel required.

(SEW)(JOW)