YouthBuild is a comprehensive academic preparatory, occupational skills, and leadership development program for low-income youth, ages 17–24, residing in Detroit, MI. Participants receive enrichment services that assist them obtain their GED or high school diploma, while they learn occupational skills and rehabilitate permanent housing for homeless and low-income families. YouthBuild is offered collaboratively with Southeast Michigan Community Alliance Michigan Works! (SEMCA) and other training and academic program providers.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:

The Case Manager will be part of an innovative team of service providers and educators that work collectively to create programing for youth that face barriers to obtaining permanent employment. The Case Manager will

1) Identify and remediate barriers to employment, training and post-secondary education – including referring participants to supportive service resources.

2) Lead the development of an Individual Service Strategy, in conjunction with program staff

3) Assist training staff coordinate services to help participants prepare for and secure living wage employment upon completion of the program.

4) Track, verify and enter participant progress, including maintaining accurate and timely case notes. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the YouthBuild Program Manager, the Case Manager will perform the following duties in accordance with organizational standards and the goals of the primary funding sources:

· Conduct intake and individual needs assessments to determine participant eligibility, including level of commitment, availability, educational level, barriers to employment, etc.;

· Assist with participant enrollment, onboarding and orientation;

· Communicate participant needs to the YouthBuild team to ensure effective service delivery;

· Track participant performance in State and Federal data systems, capturing key performance and outcomes;

· Coordinate and maintain participant files, obtain necessary documentation in accordance with grant requirements, and case note participant progress;

· Regularly meet with participants, both individually and in groups, to assess progress, identify resources to meet supportive service needs, review the Individual Service Strategy, and mitigate barriers to program completion;

· Build relationships with community-based organizations and government benefit access points to promote collaboration and identify resources;

· Assist in the development of strategies for participant’s transition out of the program and assist with application/onboarding requirements that lead to enrollment in post-secondary, occupational training and/or employment prior to program exit;

· Build relationships with local employers and trade unions, and remain informed of pre-requisites for union apprenticeships and other viable employment opportunities;

· Maintain a resource library to include education, employment (internships, apprenticeships, etc.), training offerings, and other post-program opportunities for exited participants;

· Maintain relationships with outside supports, including probation/parole officers and external support providers to ensure continuity of service;

· Coordinate with exited participants to ensure consistent tracking and follow up for a minimum of one year;

· Maintain concise documentation and assist with fulfilling grant and contract requirements for the program, including reporting and data entry;

· Participate in program evaluation processes, as needed;

· Meet regularly with the YouthBuild staff and partners to plan activities and coordinate service delivery and other program related activities identified by the team;

· Adhere to internal procedures with regard to confidentiality and the maintenance of participant files;

· Provide information and/or referrals to applicants who cannot participate in the program due to eligibility criteria or limited program capacity;

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Ability to maintain accurate and timely case notes;

· Strong commitment to supporting the success of youth and young adults;

· Ability to handle adverse situations with or without direct supervision;

· Ability to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries;

· Flexibility in dealing effectively with a variety of people, situations, and challenges;

· One year experience working with Opportunity Youth, ex-offenders, youth in foster care system – relevant experience may be substituted for degree.

DESIRED CRITERIA:

Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to:

· Ability to observe, diagnose, recommend and develop plans of action for program participants;

· Ability to enter accurate data, process requests for reports, analyze reports for consistency, implement solutions to correct anomalies or devise alternative strategies to improve results;

· Familiarity with state and federal database systems;

· Ability to exhibit professionalism and sound organizational skills at all times;

· Demonstrate the technical aptitude required to learn and use relevant tools and software to perform the job;

· Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively in person, in writing and virtually;

· Ability to effectively work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Must be comfortable with and able to adapt to changing demands; and

· Must be discrete and professional, particularly when handling confidential information.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

· Minimum one year working as a case manager;

· Experience working directly with a diverse youth population, preferably within a job development or on-the- job training program;

· Experience in job coaching, career development, or counseling preferred;

· Proficient in Microsoft products and database management;

· Knowledge of local community organizations, educational and training systems, public agencies, and private industries preferable;

· At least three (3) years of related professional experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required;

· Relevant experience working in a nonprofit, education or community-based organization is preferred; and

· Experience researching and analyzing training and workforce initiatives or other social service programs, and general knowledge of workforce trends highly desirable.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Local area travel may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

LICENSES: Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License – Position requires field work.

OTHER: Background check and drug screen required.

Salary commensurate with experience

The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within our organization. DESC actively seeks applications from women, persons of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.