Post Residential Case Manager

About the Montana Youth Challenge Academy

Do you enjoy an energetic, dynamic work environment? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of young Montanans? If so, start a rewarding career as a Post‑Residential Case Manager at the Montana Youth Challenge Academy.

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a residential academic intervention program for youth ages 16‑18 who are at risk of high school dropout. Located at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT, the Academy provides a 22‑week program of development for 100 youth, leveraging aspects of military training such as team accountability, leadership, and physical fitness to help youth build positive skills, self‑confidence, and bright futures.

The Academy's mission is to improve the wellbeing of Montana communities, enhance the quality of life for participating youth, and positively influence at‑risk youth to take charge of their lives through the acquisition of life‑enhancing and employable skills.

This Case Manager position is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the overall progress, placement goals, and mentor relationships of each cadet on their assigned caseload. The role includes advocacy, communication, resource management, and promoting quality interventions and outcomes for cadets, mentors, and parents.

The position reports to the Post Residential Mentor Coordinator and simultaneously supervises cadet placement and cadet/mentor relationships for two post‑residential caseloads while collaborating with the Counseling Department to research and secure realistic placement for cadets on an assigned Residential caseload (caseload of three classes is approximately 1:40).

Case Managers are involved in assessing, instructing, and assisting cadets, mentors, and parents for a 17‑month period, supporting youth for one full year following graduation to ensure continued success.

• Case Management (40%)
  • Assess, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the progress, placement goals, life plan development, and mentor relationships of each cadet to ensure each youth has a completed life plan that outlines a realistic and achievable plan for success after completion of the residential phase.
  • Participate in initial screenings and assessments to determine if youth are appropriate candidates for MYCA; conduct social intake interviews with candidates; review information with program counselors; participate in Quad meetings with counselors, teachers, and cadre.
  • Develop and provide training to cadets on placement goals, life plan development, relationship building with mentors, placement requirements, monthly reporting responsibilities after graduation, and community resources.
  • Teach curriculum for Mentee Training (3 sessions per cycle) to assist cadets in meeting placement and post‑residential goals using S.M.A.R.T. goal setting theory.
  • Mentor 3‑4 Residential cadets in the development and research of post‑graduation placement goals, focusing on options in the military, workforce, or education (including high school, college, Job Corps, vocational education).
  • Support the mentor recruitment and selection process by preparing application packets, making recruitment calls, and conducting background checks on prospective mentors.
  • Participate in the design and presentation of Mentor Training Breakout Sessions; prepare training materials and presentations to ensure mentors understand reporting requirements, challenges of working with at‑risk youth, relationship building practices, and cadet placement requirements.
  • Coordinate online surveys with mentors and cadets to assess training effectiveness and Post‑Residential program success; provide recommendations for program improvements.
  • Coordinate the attainment of verified placements for cadets before graduation through mock interviews, employment‑seeking phone rehearsals, internet employment searches, and application/resume assistance.
  • Prepare graduation packets outlining cadet placement information for parents and mentors.
  • Supervise cadets when teaching classes, meeting with cadets, assisting on the floor,…