Workforce Development and Jericho Education Fund Case Manager

Inspiration Corporation•Chicago, IL

About The Position

In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation. To help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing. At Inspiration Corporation, employees embody our mission by demonstrating the following Core Values: Integrity – We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability. Growth – We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities. Equity – We recognize each person’s inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities. Resilience – We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care. Hospitality – We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors. Inspiration Corporation believes that these values are central to our work with participants and one another, and they create a culture we all have a stake in. POSITION SUMMARY The Workforce Development and Jericho Education Fund Case Manager supports participants in meeting their employment, career pathways and educational goals by providing case management, supportive services, and career counseling to participants considering or enrolled in Inspiration Kitchens foodservice training program or receiving education and training tuition support from the Lori & Ron Jericho Memorial Education Fund.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
Two years of work experience in nonprofit case management and/or significant life experience required.
Proficiency in Windows XP and Microsoft Office required.

Nice To Haves

Candidates who have worked with persons experiencing homelessness or housing instability, citizens returning to the community from incarceration, or other vulnerable populations are preferred for this position.
Experience with college access services or scholarship programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage enrollment procedures for both the Jericho Education Fund and the Foodservice Training program.
Screen applicant eligibility based on agency and grant requirements.
Collaborate with the Workforce Development Manager to develop and execute recruitment
Enroll, orient, and maintain an active, rolling caseload of program participants. Meet with enrolled participants at least once a month and refer to support services as necessary.
Develop individualized service plans with participants, identifying goals, barriers and strategies to address barriers to meeting their goals; update individualized service plans to reflect updated goals, barriers and strategies.
Support participants in meeting employment and job retention goals, collaborating with culinary and employment team members.
Write case notes to document participant interactions, progress on their goals and outcomes. Accurate, complete and timely documentation and use of agency (currently Service Point) and funder data systems to demonstrate participant engagement, services and progress toward individual goals.
Contribute to, prepare and submit accurate and timely data collection on program metrics reporting for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. development team, funders, etc.)
Provide and document client support resources per eligibility, funder guidance and agency standards (e.g. transportation, clothing, etc.).
Identify organizations to partner with to gain and send referrals.
Identify resources to connect program participants to supportive services for which they are eligible (e.g. rental assistance, mental health, etc.).
Develop and participate in programming that offers peer support and builds community among program participants (in-person, and/or virtual). Collaborate with team members to develop and update materials to support participants’ success, including program handbooks, graduation certificates and other program materials.
Support program continuous improvement and coordination through participating in planning, team meetings, scheduling and site coordination.
Support participants in entering and completing the food service training program and Jericho Education Fund and in meeting their education and/or training, employment placement and job retention goals, using trauma-informed, strengths-based, low-barrier, harm-reduction approaches.
Recruit program prospects, prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness or housing instability, returning to the community from incarceration, poverty and other systemic barriers.
Collaborate with foodservice training and restaurant operations staff in monitoring participant progress.
Support participants in demonstrating effective communication and other workplace skills.
Assess participants’ levels of job readiness, provide career counseling, and assist in the development of short- and long-term goals.
Fulfill reporting requirements for grants
Support Jericho Scholars in meeting their educational and vocational training and employment goals so that they can secure sustainable employment and navigate a career pathway.
Communicate with Inspiration Corporation staff, referring partner organization staff and prospective scholars, providing details and support for the referral process.
Establish referral, application and other programmatic timelines.
Meet enrollment goals.
Maintain ongoing contact with participants during their course of study, track their progress, and help them address any challenges affecting their success in and completion of the program.
Report participant status and outcomes monthly. Enter participant enrollment, progress, including completion of education or vocational training and obtaining and maintaining employment, and case notes in internal reporting systems.
Complete financial transactions for scholar books, supplies, tuition, and other necessary items.
Collaborate with the Workforce Development Manager in managing the selection process, fund budget and tracking expenses.
Maintain contact with participants after completion of their education or training.
Collect information about participant’s initial employment outcomes and outcomes up to one year after starting employment.
Collect feedback from scholars on how the Jericho Education Fund has been a support to them and produce success stories that will be presented to the donor.