Workforce Development Case Manager

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Department:
Career Pathway Services (CPS)

Reports to:

Director of Career Pathway Services

Type: part‑time, 6‑month contract possible

Salary Range: $20–$35 per hour depending on experience

Office:
Chicago, IL – in‑person office hours required most days, some remote work possible after adjustment period.

Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) is a Chicago‑based nonprofit organization, founded in 1982. MR’s mission is to advance inclusive sustainable development anchored in manufacturing. MR operates through two program areas:
1) Career Pathway Services: expose, inspire, train, and prepare youth and young adults for career track jobs in manufacturing;
2) Manufacturing Ecosystem Services: expand the coalitions, technical assistance supports and policies that support manufacturing‑related programs that advance inclusive, scalable, sustainable development. We are a small but growing organization looking for purpose‑driven professionals who wish to grow with us.

MR envisions our programs will contribute to the tangible increases in racial equity, economic and social inclusion in our communities as we prepare youth and young adults to not only thrive in manufacturing careers, but to engage youth in broader community and personal development.

The Case Manager will be the primary support for rolling cohorts of youth and young adults participating in Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) workforce development programs. The case load will be approximately 30–45 participants with varying degrees of engagement. The Case Manager will also provide follow‑up support after participants complete their initial training to ensure their successful transition into a sustainable career and independent living.

The Case Manager, in partnership with all members of the Career Pathway Services (CPS) Team, will assess participant needs, strengths and barriers and provide necessary care and coordination to assist them in transitioning into the workforce and independent adulthood.

The Case Manager is a participant‑focused professional responsible for supporting individuals enrolled in workforce training programs from intake through completion, credential attainment, and placement or advancement. This role serves participants across internally operated technical and soft‑skills programs as well as partner‑delivered programs which in some cases are managed on behalf of other nonprofits. The Case Manager ensures that participants receive consistent support, progress is documented accurately, outcomes are tracked and reported, data needed for funder and partner requirements is gathered in an accurate and timely manner, and maintained over time.

This role sits at the intersection of participant advocacy, program coordination, and performance reporting.

• Participant Intake, Assessment, and Support (40% of the time)
• Credential & Outcomes Tracking (20% of the time)
• Data Collection, Documentation, and Reporting (20% of the time)
• Continuous Improvement & Compliance (10% of the time)
  Other – includes team meetings, professional development, employer/site visits, cross‑department coordination, and occasional participant recruitment support (10% of the time)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Development or Social Work or equivalent work experience of 4 years of working with youth in a development capacity & 4 years of case management experience
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the City of Chicago
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record if transporting students. Demonstration of / completion of Student Safety training if driving participants.
• Understanding of Social Work Ethics and Case Management/Youth Development best practices
• Must be able to pass background checks to be in compliance with Chicago Public Schools policy
• Must be willing to be trained and fully comply with Illinois Mandated Reporter laws
• Strong ability to build trust and rapport with diverse learners
• Ability to balance advocacy for participants with program accountability
• Computer/internet…