Position Summary

The Next Step Case Manager is responsible for managing a caseload of approximately 35 - 45 participants in Congreso’s Next Step Program. Next Step is an Adult Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, that supports out-of-school participants ages 17 - 24 who have obtained a secondary-school credential. The main tenets of the program include obtaining Industry-Recognized Credentials, Job-Skills Preparation and Work Experience Opportunities, as well as Academic and Empowerment Services. Participants are divided into a service phase and follow-up phase; within these phases, the Next Step Case Manager assists in various areas including enrollment and intake, orientation, and goal planning, setting benchmarks for individual progress, barrie r removal, and providing ongoing coaching and support.

This position reports to the Manager of Adult Education Initiatives . This is a HYBRID position.

The Next Step Case Manager applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
• Provides daily case management services to all participants on caseload, in accordance with Congreso’s Primary Client Model service delivery approach.
• Prepares participants to take ownership of their own development and planning for the future by developing an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) goal plan with the participant to determine benchmarks for achieving their goals.
• Assists participants in securing and maintaining work experience opportunities, career-oriented full-time employment or enrollment into a post- secondary training program.
• Facilitates four classes of Job Readiness Training or Life Skills classes during each new enrollment cycle.
• Provides follow-up supportive services for participants who have enrolled in post-secondary training or employment.
• Supports the Manager of Adult Education Initiatives in creating and implementing Job Readiness Training and/or employment workshops.
• Strategizes and implements methods to bolster participants’ continuous engagement in the program and independently trouble-shoots irregularities.
• Secures documentation to substantiate the participant’s engagement in employment or post-secondary education.
• Obtains documentation electronically or by visiting the participant’s home, employment, education site.
• Works with the staff at the referred service(s) to track the participants’ attendance and engagement.
• Implements, by instruction and action, the philosophy of education and career/life learning exploration.
• Reports on each participant’s educational, social and employment progress in detail through monthly case notes, quarterly narratives, and weekly meetings.
  
  

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills a plus.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED/HISET required. Associate degree a plus.

Minimum Experience

Two (2) years’ case management experience in providing supportive services required.

Experience working with the Eastern North Philadelphia community, resources, and social services structure, including childcare and temporary housing services, a plus.

Certification/License

N/A