Nonprofit Case Manager (Chicago)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a compassionate, thoughtful, and highly organized Nonprofit Case Manager to support individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances. This role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by working directly with applicants and grant recipients, understanding their unique situations, connecting them with resources, and helping them move toward greater stability and success.

This is a hybrid position, with a few days each week working from our Chicago office and the remaining days working remotely.

The Case Manager will manage an assigned caseload from initial application through ongoing follow-up, while partnering closely with the broader team to evaluate needs, identify solutions, and measure outcomes. The right person will be an excellent writer, communicator, a strong listener, and someone who can balance empathy with sound judgment and attention to detail.

Salary Range: 60-65k

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with applicants to learn about their circumstances, needs, challenges, and goals, creating a supportive and comfortable environment for open conversation.
• Review individual situations and contribute recommendations and insights during case and grant review discussions.
• Develop meaningful, supportive relationships with grant recipients and serve as a trusted resource throughout their engagement with the organization.
• Establish individualized plans with clearly defined goals and measurable outcomes based on each recipient’s circumstances.
• Maintain regular contact with recipients to monitor progress, provide support, and identify changing needs or additional opportunities for assistance.
• Evaluate case progress and outcomes and communicate key updates, observations, and recommendations to the team.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely case records and documentation.
• Prepare clear, professional written case summaries, case notes, updates, and other communications.
• Research and develop a network of community resources and support services that can be shared with applicants and recipients, including financial counseling and other social-service resources.
• Build relationships with nonprofits, social workers, community organizations, and other referral partners to expand awareness of available support.
• Help identify communities and populations that could benefit from the organization’s programs and contribute to outreach efforts.
• Handle sensitive information and difficult conversations with professionalism, discretion, empathy, and sound judgment.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of professional experience in social work, case management, or a related social-services field.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Genuine empathy and strong social awareness, with the ability to understand different perspectives and respond appropriately to sensitive situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document cases and communicate information to both internal and external audiences.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong assessment, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and follow-up activities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Resilience and the ability to remain composed and effective when working through complex or emotionally challenging situations.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and a genuine desire to help others.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field preferred.
• BSW preferred; Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of case management experience within a nonprofit, social-service organization, community organization, or similar environment preferred.