Career Case Manager - Project SEARCH

The Project SEARCH Career Case Manager supports the basic needs and service coordination for Goodwill clients seeking assistance with education, job training, and employment-related services. The Project SEARCH Career Case Manager will work closely with clients in developing service plans including goals for training, education, and employment as well as providing continued programmatic follow-up supports postplacement. The Career Case Manager works closely with other Workforce Advancement professionals in coordinating services provided within and outside of Goodwill.

This position will support Project SEARCH participants and other disability employment programs in healthcare and community-based employment settings while maintaining standards established by Project SEARCH and the Texas Workforce Commission - Vocational Rehabilitation.

Role and Responsibilities

• Maintain client caseloads by supporting client's development with respect to resume building, job applicants/job searching, interviewing and employment related soft skills. Maintain frequent contact with clients in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Develop partnership with clients, a strengths-based/solution-focused assessment and individualized career plan that identifies short- and long-term goals and resources that support clients on their path towards their education, training and employment goals. Track and document goal acquisitions and support clients in their transition to the next steps according to their individual career plan.
• Apply extensive knowledge of regional labor market needs and trends which will support an evidence-based career path for clients.
• Coordinate with appropriate social services professionals in delivering services necessary to support clients in achieving employment stability.
• Coordinate and maintain professional relationships with schools, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, families, instructors, employers, and community partners as applicable to program needs.
• Intervene effectively and ethically in crisis, developing applicable interventions and follow-up plans to thoroughly address immediate and future needs while maintaining safety.
• Enroll clients in programs, obtain information and complete reports to meet/exceed all performance targets as required by Goodwill and other funding sources.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all clients through CaseWorthy and other required client tracking databases. Strictly adhering to all data entry requirements set forth by Goodwill and other funding sources. Adhere to confidentiality protocols related to electronic and paper files and documents.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with GCT Career Advancement Team to connect clients with career advancement trainings and the Business Solutions team to connect clients with employment opportunities.
• Maintain quality and integrity of services in CaseWorthy. Pull reports as needed for department.
• Participate in and contribute to community collaborations and inter-agency discussions that further the Goodwill mission and clients' goals.
• Provide on-site support, employment readiness coaching, and follow-along supports to participants in internship and employment settings as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Responsibilities for Project SEARCH Career Case Manager

• Acts as Intake & Eligibility Specialist for the host business
• Screen potential clients and provide an accurate and thorough intake based on individual career or educational goals.
• Effectively communicate programs and services provided at Goodwill Central Texas as well as connect clients/potential clients to community resources.
• Maintain adherence to scheduling protocols by being physically present at the host business during work hours.
• Manage and maintain positive working relationships with agency and staff at partner site locations. Work collaboratively with agency staff for the best interest of Goodwill participants and mission.
• Maintain consistent on-site presence at assigned host business locations and support participants throughout internship rotations and employment activities.
• Maintain compliance with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation policy and requirements

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in education, business, or a social services related field. Associate degree. Minimum of 1 year experience working with clients in employment counseling, placement, education, or human services can substitute for a four-year degree.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with socially disadvantaged individuals such as un-housed, ex-offenders, and low literacy, and individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities, transition-aged youth, or supported employment programs preferred.
• Knowledge of Goodwill services and of community resources and business networking preferred.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, outlook), and other social media applications.
• Valid driver's license, proof of valid insurance and ability to travel on work related business to meet client location/service delivery needs.
• Knowledge of client assessment skills, community resources coordination, career planning principles, employability skills, and crisis intervention.
• Ability to conduct and/or translate training sessions bilingually preferred.
• Ability to meet host site requirements, including healthcare compliance, vaccination, and background screening requirements, if applicable to assigned location.

Preferred Requirements

• Certification in Job Coaching or Vocational Rehabilitation (e.g., CRC - Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, CPRW - Certified Professional Résumé Writer) is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, or physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and other workplace laws regarding disability inclusion and accommodations.
• UNT-WISE credential or a comparable credentialing program. This must be obtained after hire, with annual recertification required. Familiarity with its structure and reporting standards is beneficial.
• Experience with documentation and reporting processes tied to vocational or employment support programs is highly valued.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.
• Position may require prolonged standing and walking throughout large hospital, business, and community-based environments.
• The ability to cope with and tolerate moderate levels of stress is also a necessity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Goodwill Central Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Background Check Requirement:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check. This may include verification of employment history, education, criminal background, and other information relevant to the position.

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