Employment and Education Case Manager

Carpenter•Rockford, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Carpenter's Place is seeking an Employment and Education Case Manager to provide employment support to homeless individuals and those at risk, and to coordinate educational initiatives. This role involves general case management and Dayroom assistance for 50% of the time, with a potential future focus solely on Employment and Education services. The position combines administrative tasks and customer service to help stabilize homeless and at-risk adults.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related field.
2 years providing case management, educational, and/or employment services.
Accurately identify a client's complex needs, including but not limited to employment, medical, housing, financial, and mental health needs, to determine the most appropriate services.
Coordination of services across the social services system.
Effectively present program information to businesses, organizations, and key stakeholders to secure engagement and support.
Ability to de-escalate Guest conflict through active listening, demonstrating empathy, and using non-confrontational communication.
Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure.
Ability to set professional boundaries with clients and enforce dayroom rules and program policies.
Ability to demonstrate a trauma informed and culturally humble response to Guests circumstances.
Proficient verbal and written communications skills in both English and Spanish preferred.
Able to pass a background check and drug test.
Punctuality and daily attendance is critical to this role.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
Ability to learn Mission Tracker and/or other required software such as but not limited to online conferencing software, HMIS, etc.
Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and verify insurance for fieldwork.

Responsibilities

Implement best-practice strategies, especially in crisis situations, to stabilize the participant and impact their environment.
Arrange for gas vouchers, provide bus tokens and transport, as needed.
Present informative outreach talks in the community, when appropriate.
Work with the Director of Guest Services to communicate concerns, needs and issues, develop a multi-disciplinary plan of care, attend team meetings, take advantage of in-service presentations and on-going education opportunities; and be involved with both internal and external committees.
Request volunteers through Carpenter's Place Volunteer Coordinator, engage and work cooperatively with any volunteers as they assist the employment participants.
Request financial assistance for employment needs, complete required forms, and communicate with accounting personnel at Carpenters Place concerning check requests and credit card use.
Assist participants with any scheduling, planning or facilitation of employment and educational goals; this may include attending meetings and events with the participant.
Assist adults with employment support and placement including assessment, resume, references, interview skills, service planning, individualized rapid job search, on-the job training/coaching, and community support services.
Work with local employers to arrange placement and assist with job retention, personalized benefit planning, and continued employment support.
Schedule meetings for employment assistance, handle inquiries with employers and potential employees, follow up with questions, and gather employment results.
Present information to Case Managers at staff meetings to continue to improve employment services.
Work with staff, community providers and volunteers to develop and update educational training opportunities for adults. Opportunities may be on-line, Zoom, or in-person.
Develop informational training in supportive areas including: obtaining and maintaining housing, purchasing a home, developing good relationships with landlords and lenders; financial education which includes understanding money management, developing good credit and savings, understanding aspects of good health and mental health, how to resolve and minimize legal issues; how to obtain college or training assistance, the value of both education and community involvement.
Create promotional information that can be used by Case Manager to explain trainings to participants.
Work with staff, educators and volunteers to schedule presentations, demonstrations and other information.
Teach classes in an engaging and informative manner.
Provide and maintain records of educational information, participant attendance and completion.
Assist participants to overcome barriers to attend educational opportunities by arranging transportation, meals and childcare as needed.
Excel at follow-up, handling initial inquiries for programs and classes, gathering feedback and presenting information at staff meetings for process improvement.
Provide guidance and support to the Family Service Program's employment and education services.
All other duties as may be relevant to the role may be assigned.