Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:

Ujamaa Place is a culturally specific organization dedicated to empowering young African American men facing multiple barriers to stability and self-actualization. Our mission is to provide holistic transformation opportunities targeted toward- young African American men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race and poverty. Ujamaa Place provides services and supports such as educational opportunities, transitional housing, employment and career development training, wellness services, and programs, as well as criminal justice advocacy Ujamaa Place is a catalyst for new beginnings and positive transitions. Our successful participants go on to secure living-wage employment, and stable housing and engage in job training programs, gaining valuable skills for long-term careers in high-skill professions.

Job Summary:
The Case Manager provides comprehensive, person-centered support to participants by assessing needs, developing individualized transformation plans, coordinating resources, and monitoring progress toward stability and long-term goals. This role serves as the primary point of contact for participants, offering guidance, advocacy, and accountability across areas such as housing, employment, education, health, and life skills. The Case Manager maintains a manageable caseload, builds trusting relationships, and collaborates closely with internal staff and external partners to ensure participants receive timely, effective services. Strong documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to work with individuals facing complex barriers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.      Complete intake requirements for potential participants, including the formal assessment, administering the TABE test, reviewing Participant Handbook, documenting demographic information in client database, and referring the applicant for a criminal background check, etc.

2.      Help participants develop an Individual Transformation Plan (ITP) to establish a realistic plan for autonomy and successful completion of ITP goals/graduation.  ITP should address participant needs for stable housing, educational attainment, employment, mental and physical health, family reunification, etc.  

3.      Actively coach 20-25 participants on caseload to review progress on Individual Transformation Plans and research needed additional resources and/or referrals.

4.      Assist participants with gaining necessary critical documents, including birth certificates, social security cards, health insurance, driver’s license and possible SNAP benefits.  

5.      Meet weekly with each assigned participant to review ITP, discuss programming participation, progress toward established benchmarks (e.g. employed within 60 days) and other accomplishments and challenges.

1. Assist participants with career development, including resume building, mock interviews, job sourcing, interview preparation, proper clothing, etc.
2. Assist participants with finding and maintaining stable housing, including short-term safe spaces, reliable family/friend house sharing, long-term transitional housing, Ujamaa Place Transitional housing, etc.  Additionally, promote and encourage attendance of Tenant Training.
3. Assist participants with preparing for driver’s license test, including assisting with navigating online tutoring, behind-the-wheel training, test site information, etc.
4. Attend weekly meetings with fellow case managers and supervisors, complete the weekly check-in form and update 30, 60 and 90 day participant reports.
5. Assure participants are referred to appropriate outside resources.
6. Complete weekly detailed documentation in the client database to maintain updated information and compliance with grant requirement for program service delivery on each assigned participant.
7. Provide immediate support and resources during emergency situations.
8. Actively recruit eligible participants by attending assigned events, social media, community meetings, and participating in weekly Information Sessions to recruit new participants.
9. Build community partnerships with relevant organizations and employers.
10. Coordinate with other case managers to support participant success.
11. Advocate for participants within systems, such as courts, housing and healthcare (e.g. help participants sign up for MNCare health coverage).
12. Assist with overall program evaluation and service delivery.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Valid driver’s license, dependable vehicle, and active insurance required.
• A successful professional history of building relationships and trust with  young African American men.
• Previous experience in community recruitment, outreach or engagement with underserved communities.
• Knowledge of social services and resources available to support individuals facing barriers to education, employment and housing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write clear incident reports and case notes.
• Strong organization and time management skills- ability to create individual structure in daily/weekly  as well as follow existing program structure 
• Mediation skills and the ability to manage relationships with participants and community partners.
• Self-disciplined and motivated with a strong interest in supporting the needs and rights of others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, attentive to detail, and committed to continuous personal and professional development.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Two years of case management experience, especially in Employment and Housing 
• Understands coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations
• Ability to create a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust