Case Manager

Job Description: Case Manager – Teacher Candidate Support Specialist (GYO Chicago/Lake County and DMTI Programs) 

Position Title: Case Manager -- Teacher Candidate Support Specialist (GYO Chicago/Lake County and DMTI Programs) 

Reports To: GYO Chicago/Lake County Director   

Location: Hybrid (Remote with periodic in-person meetings as needed)   

Employment Type: Part-time Consultant   

**Position Summary:**   

We are seeking a dedicated Case Manager to work directly with  teacher candidates in the Grow Your Own (GYO) Chicago/Lake County and Diverse Male Teacher Initiative (DMTI) programs. The Case Manager will provide wraparound support, referral services, and case management to help teacher candidates overcome barriers and achieve stability as they pursue teaching careers. This role involves assessing the personal and professional needs of teacher candidates, coordinating access to essential services, and maintaining detailed reports to track individuals’ progress toward becoming certified teachers. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct regular 1-on-1 check-ins via phone or video with teacher candidates. 
• Identify and assess candidates' personal, professional, and situational needs, including housing, financial, legal, health, and emotional support. 
• Develop and implement individualized action plans to assist candidates in overcoming challenges and reaching their professional teaching goals by: 
• Referring candidates to community-based services such as counseling, housing assistance, utilities, emergency services, and other wraparound supports necessary for their stability and success in their emerging teaching career. 
• Collaborating with service providers and community organizations to facilitate direct referrals and partnerships that meet candidates' needs. 
• Assisting candidates in completing financial assistance paperwork (e.g., All Chicago) and exploring other relevant funding opportunities. 
• Tracking all updates, needs, and outcomes in GYO’s referral form spreadsheet, documenting the services provided and candidates' progress. 
• Conduct regular follow-ups to ensure the effectiveness of action plans and adjust them as candidates' circumstances or needs evolve. 
• Attend bi-weekly team meetings with GYO Chicago/Lake County and DMTI to discuss candidate progress and needs related to their teaching certification journey. 
• Provide summary notes and updates for quarterly reports and other program documentation as needed. 

Qualifications: 

- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in a different field i.e. English, and experience in social services/knowledge of community-based resources/services  

- Strong knowledge of available wraparound services and community resources (housing, legal, financial, etc.), particularly for individuals pursuing careers in education. 

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse populations, including aspiring teachers. 

- Highly organized with the ability to maintain accurate records and case histories. 

- Ability to work independently, with excellent time management and follow-up skills. 

- Experience in teaching, working with education-related programs or teacher candidates is a strong plus. 

Compensation: 

$30-$35/hour--compensation will be commensurate with experience.