Mental Health Juvenile Case Manager

Anixter Center•Chicago, IL

About The Position

At Anixter Center, our Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MHJJ) Liaisons work throughout the community helping youth access vital mental health services. They also strengthen the broader juvenile justice system by training and partnering with those who support youth every day — building understanding, capacity, and compassionate responses to mental health needs. This role includes both direct support to youth and collaborati on with the broader “ecosystem” — families, schools, probation officers, courts, and service providers — to ensure youth receive consistent, proactive care. While linking youth to services is the primary goal, we are equally focused on empowering communities to respond effectively and sustainably to mental health challenges. Position Overview: MHJJ Case Manager The MHJJ Case Manager is responsible for developing collaborative community partnerships and obtaining referrals for youth who have — or are at risk for — mental health concerns. The Case Manager conducts comprehensive assessments, including personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental factors, to determine appropriate treatment planning. This position is part of a supportive team, yet requires independence, sound judgment, and strong decision-making in both home and community settings. Collaboration is essential — including working closely with youth and their families, integrated health homes, insurance providers, and referral sources such as juvenile courts, probation, schools, and community agencies. Case Managers play a critical role in linking youth and families to community-based mental health and social service resources, ensuring they have the tools, access, and support needed to thrive.

Requirements

Bachelor's in social service or related field as a minimum, Master's degree preferred (social work, counseling, psychology, or certification in case management).
Ability to be IM+ CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) certified within 6 months of employment.
A minimum of one years’ experience working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system preferred.
A minimum of one years’ experience working with youth who have a diagnosis of SED (Serious Emotional Disturbance) / mental illness preferred.
Computer proficiency required; use of electronic healthcare records required.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Agency insurance requirements.
Bilingual in Spanish/English, preferred.
Experience working with teens and young adults, knowledge of learning styles and ability to engage high risk youth and their families.
Experience working in various neighborhoods throughout the South/Westside of Chicago.
Knowledge of Cook County Juvenile Justice System preferred.
Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Responsibilities

Identify services for youth involved with or at risk of involvement with Cook County Juvenile Justice system as well as local school and community-based partners.
Connect youth with Community-based Mental Health services by communicating with external stakeholders such as family and medical coordinators to make referrals.
Assess youth for mental health concerns and create a person-centered Action Plan to identify specific services.
Provide case management services that include, but are not limited to; goal setting, face-to-face and phone conversation on a weekly/bi-weekly basis, family engagement, linkage with community agencies, and follow-up services.
Maintain an active caseload between 15-20 youth per quarter.
Actively and independently work towards recruitment of new clients/referrals via community outreach efforts.
Responsible for effective communication including but not limited to updating referral sources of attendance, creating monthly reports of progress for probation officers, helping youth connect and follow up with community resources.
Determine what methods each youth should use to avoid risk-taking factors and reach their goals.
Track attendance and evaluate youth’s progress; re-engage youth that have inconsistent attendance in mental wellness support services.
Collaborate with families to connect with programs.
Respond to medical and behavioral/psychiatric crisis in accordance with agency policy and procedure. This includes all related documentation.
Provide crisis intervention, including facilitating hospitalization, as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.