Education Center Case Manager (Part Time 20 hours)

Position Description: 

This position is created through the Open Doors [HB 1418] Youth Reengagement Initiative, which provides multiple pathways of educational programming for high school students who are very likely to give up on their education.  The case management provided through this position serves as a critical link in helping students succeed academically. 

This position will provide case management services, assessment, intervention, referrals, advocacy, outreach, counseling and support services to high school students who have dropped out of school, been suspended, expelled, fallen seriously behind in academic credit, or who may be pregnant and/or parenting. The Case Manager will support students in completing their high school diploma or GED, and in making transitions to post-secondary education, advanced training and/or employment through intensive reengagement strategies.   

Essential Functions: 

Community Outreach 

• Coordinate and collaborate with schools, employers, colleges, businesses and other agencies, as necessary, to ensure youth are actively engaged in programs. 
• Develop and maintain working relationships with participating programs to ensure successful referrals and communication with direct services. 
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with educational, social, legal and health service agencies. 

Needs Assessments and Individual Student Learning Plans 

• Recruit students and provide comprehensive needs assessments to gauge student readiness for reengagement services. 
• Work with instructors to develop integrated services including Individual Student Learning Plans to assist students in attaining education goals. 
• Understand the needs of students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and adjust accordingly. 
• Work with other case managers and counselors to provide services as needed. 
• Establish a network outside of school, and around student needs/services to promote best interest. 

Student Advising and Guidance 

• Help students break down their barriers to educational and employment success, build up assets to become more socially and economically self-sufficient. 
• Enter a collaborative relationship with youth and families empowering them to establish and support student’s goals. 
• Provide career guidance information, employment assistance, and referrals to social and health services based on individual student needs. 
• Provide job search and job retention training, provide job search assistance services, and coordinate and monitor work experience training. 

Case Management and Advocacy 

• Advocate for youth and work with community/educational and support service agencies on students’ behalf to help them overcome access barriers. 
• Maintain contact with students following program graduation or release to identify additional needs or barriers to service access; to provide support and encouragement, and follow-up to ensure students relate to programs. 
• Meet with students regularly, foster growth and motivation, help youth set goals, check regular progress, adjust goals when needed, plan for their future and celebrate their success. 

Reporting and Tracking 

• Assist with tracking and monitoring performance outcomes to meet Education Center reporting deadlines and district’s longitudinal study requirements. 
• Maintain student case notes and meet monthly reporting deadlines. 
• Maintain student records in client database as needed. 

Other Duties, tasks and projects as assigned 

• Coordinate and facilitate support groups as needed. 
• Be available outside of work hours to meet student needs as situations arise. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• BA preferred in social work, education, counseling, or related field and at least 2 years of experience providing direct multi-service to disadvantaged populations. Equivalent education or experience may be substituted for education. 
• Knowledge of juvenile justice court systems and the ability to navigate resources for youth involved in these systems. 
• Strong interpersonal and human relation skills, including strong conflict management techniques. 
• Computer skills: MS Word, Excel, Access Outlook and Internet skills required 
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations. 
• Experience providing referral, advocacy & case management services. 
• Valid WA State Driver’s license, regular access to reliable personal transportation and proof of insurance. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in English, in writing and verbally. 
• Demonstrated ability providing community outreach strategies needed to recruit students.  
• Demonstrated ability to utilize time management techniques to organize and prioritize work. 
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to programming changes. 
• Must be willing to complete a Washington State Patrol Criminal Background Check. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Physical and Cognitive Requirements: This position primarily works in a school room setting. 

Physical Requirements – long periods of stationary work at a computer while standing, sitting, typing; communicating on the phone; operating office equipment; moving within the building.  

Cognitive Effort – requires attention to detail, communicating effectively with others in-person, through email, telephone and online meetings; using critical thinking and listening skills; drafting and finalizing documents, strategic planning skills, interacting effectively with people in a positive manner that creates confidence and trust. 

Employees must be able to perform the Essential Functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without accommodation.  If requested, reasonable accommodation will be made, absent undue hardship on the part of SWYFS, to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job.