Chicago, IL, United States

Full-time

Be a part of our mission.

The mission of the YMCA of Metro Chicago is to develop strong children, families and communities across Metropolitan Chicago through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, fitness and healthy living. We rely on the expertise, passion, commitment and energy of our instructors and other team members to help us achieve our mission one child, one family, and one team member at a time.

Job Summary:

The Case Manager plays a key role in working directly with youth impacted by violence as a component of Youth Safety and Violence Prevention’s overall outreach and programming efforts. The target age for programming and services is youth ages 13-18. The Case Manager will support a significant caseload of youth through designing interventions including connection to resources, providing advocacy and coordinating resources and services. This role is also accountable for assessing the needs of youth and families and ensuring the proper referrals for advocacy, school enrollment, counseling, substance abuse services, employment, job training, etc. The Case Manager works closely with the Outreach team and YSVP leadership to ensure that service provision is intentionally coordinated and in alignment with best practices.

The Case Manager also manages all documentation and reporting as related to the services provided to the referred youth to meet program requirements. This role also participates in community outreach activities and collaboration as needed to support program activities.

Areas of Responsibility:

Scope of Responsibilities:

Engages in collaborative assessment and case planning with YSVP outreach team to ensure that young people with complex needs are receiving adequate interventions and support. Supports youth with trauma histories who participate in YSVP programming and practices relentless outreach to ensure continued participation.
Provides case management services for a large caseload guided by “youth-driven” services and goal plans. This includes observation, home visits, case notes, case reviews, and dialogue with school, adults/ youth and other case management supports. Facilitates connections to available resources through accompanying youth, including introductions to service providers, attending initial sessions, and problem solving barriers for youth to services accessibility. Act as a general advocate for individual youth as it pertains to the legal system and related subsidiaries
Establishes positive and constructive relationships and serves as a positive role model. This includes frequent contact with youth through home visits or site-based check ins.
Manages case management documentation and reporting including preparation and submission of monthly reports according to supervisor and program/contract guidelines. Enters program information into appropriate data tracking systems to support tracking and evaluation.
Engages in continuous learning about trauma-informed practices, trends and approaches that enhance own ability to support youth and optimize case management services.
Provides transportation for youth and/or families to facilitate access to services, using YMCA vehicles while adhering to YMCA policies and guidelines
Support the mission and vision of the YMCA and YSVP as assigned.

Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Skills/Experience:

Minimum and Preferred Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or related and/or equivalent experience.
One or more years of experience in case management. Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on youth and experience
with trauma-informed practices and programming is essential.
Ability to handle a significant caseload providing appropriate support, resources, services and interventions to meet the needs of participants.
Must be minimum of five years older than youth served through the program.
Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and vision for youth safety and violence prevention.
Strong community engagement skills with deep awareness of community dynamics and resources.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to multiple audiences
Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to set meaningful goals and take action
Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
Ability to travel locally within the Chicago area to multiple locations for home visits and program activities. Valid driver’s license with clear driving record and the ability to meet necessary requirements to drive a YMCA vehicle.
Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Leader competencies in previous experience or practice.
Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.