Care Manager

Job Description Job Description Gwen’s Girls is dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and young women by addressing the social, emotional, and systemic barriers they face. Through gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally relevant support services, we create safe spaces where youth can heal, build resilience, and thrive. We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and passionate professional to join our team and be a driving force in empowering the next generation. Job Purpose: The Care Manager / Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) plays a critical role in ensuring that every youth and family enrolled in Gwen’s Girls services receives exceptional, coordinated, and holistic support. This position combines case management expertise, advocacy, and community health outreach to guide clients on their journey toward well-being, stability, and self-sufficiency. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working with at-risk youth and families, a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, and the ability to navigate complex health and social systems while building trust and empowering clients. Education: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or related field, OR • Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) credential with demonstrated experience in case management and community outreach. Licensure/Certification: • Licensed Mental Health Professional in Pennsylvania (LCSW, LPC, or similar), or ability to obtain licensure, OR • Certified Community Health Worker recognized in Pennsylvania. Experience: • Minimum 2 years working directly with at-risk or special-needs youth and families, with proven expertise in trauma-informed, gender-responsive interventions. • At least 1 year of professional experience in case management, care coordination, or community health outreach. • Experience supporting clients in crisis situations and navigating complex service systems. • In-depth understanding of social determinants of health, mental and behavioral health needs, and systemic inequities affecting youth and young women of color. • Strong ability to engage clients, build rapport, establish healthy boundaries, and inspire confidence. • Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking abilities, with a solutions-oriented mindset. • Skilled in advocacy, outreach, and linking families to comprehensive, evidence-based services. • Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with cultural humility and sensitivity. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, community-based setting. • Ability to work flexible hours, including evening and some weekends. • Strong written and oral communication skills • PA Driver’s License Clearances Required: PA Act 33 (Child Abuse) / Act 34 (Criminal History) / Federal Criminal History Record (FBI Fingerprint) / National Sex Offender Registry, Mandated Reporter Certification Other Skills/Abilities: · Ability to work with clients and families with challenging behaviors. · Good communication and interpersonal skills. · Ability to be compassionate, empathetic, patient, and calm when working with patients. · Solid organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail. · Experience and confidence identifying and implementing evidence-based practices. · Ability to work in and adapt to the culture of a multi-cultural, community-based organization and commitment to maintain confidentiality. · Understanding of the Agency’s mission and culture and the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with staff and clients in all circumstances. · Travel to multiple sites is required. Position Summary: Care Management & Advocacy: · Serve as the primary point of contact for a caseload of approximately 15 clients, ensuring individualized, strengths-based support tailored to each client’s needs. · Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to identify mental health, behavioral, educational, and social service needs. · Develop, implement, and monitor personalized service plans in collaboration with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. · Facilitate family meetings, care coordination, and crisis interventions, ensuring timely access to services and supports. · Document all client interactions, service plans, progress notes, and outcomes with accuracy, clarity, and compliance with regulations. · Advocate fiercely for clients, removing barriers to care and ensuring equitable access to high-quality services and opportunities. · Evaluate client progress regularly and lead case resolution or transition planning when goals are achieved. Community Health Worker-Aligned Responsibilities: · Build trusting, long-term relationships with clients and their families to foster engagement, empowerment, and self-advocacy. · Provide health and wellness education, including strategies for mental health management, prevention, and navigating healthcare systems. · Connect clients to essential community resources, including housing, food access, education, job training, transportation, and healthcare providers. · Serve as a liaison between families, schools, service agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen the client’s support network. · Conduct proactive community outreach, engaging hard-to-reach populations and raising awareness of Gwen’s Girls programs and available supports. · Collaborate with staff and community partners to ensure wraparound, culturally relevant, and gender-responsive services are accessible to every client. · Participate in community events, advocacy initiatives, and health education campaigns, representing Gwen’s Girls’ mission and values. · Incorporates Sanctuary tools and practices into everyday interactions to create a trauma-informed environment. Upholds the principles of Sanctuary to provide a therapeutic framework and culture. · Actively participates in all required team meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions. Meets regularly with supervisor, communicates openly needs, concerns, and ideas; utilizes feedback given in supervisory sessions. · Performs in accordance with established system-wide competencies and receives satisfactory performance evaluations annually. · Performs other duties as assigned. Work Environment: Works in an office and after-school community-based setting, with at-risk youth, with limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Physical Requirements: Sitting , standing, kneeling, bending, stooping, reaching overhead, speaking, hearing, reading comprehension and the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. General Requirements: 1) Indoors in a busy office, working in close proximity to co-workers; 2) Frequently required to work at a fast pace; 3) Requires considerable concentration and creativity; 4) Weekend and evening work required; 5) Travel required.