WIOA Case Manager (Workforce Development)

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,800 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

PTO

Job summary

Lawrence Hall in Chicago is seeking a Case Manager for the WIOA program, focusing on connecting youth to education and employment opportunities. This role involves navigating barriers, providing coaching, and mentoring young people as they transition into careers.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in human services or relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $42,800–$45,000/year along with various benefits including PTO, health insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field or equivalent experience.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with youth through assessments.
• Assist youth with job placement.
• Provide coaching in multiple life domains.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time-management

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

Bachelor's degree in a human services field

High school diploma/equivalent + 3 years youth-work experience

Job description

Who we are

With over 150 years of experience, Lawrence Hall provides a wide range of therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to Chicagoland youth, families, and communities affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

Our Workforce Development program supports career development for young adults experiencing racial, socioeconomic, and other disparities at every phase of their employment journey.

This role is part of the Cook County Workforce Partnership’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for out‑of‑school Chicago youth and young adults (ages 14–24). Through partnerships with local employers and organizations, we ease the path to employment for those with education gaps and prior justice involvement by providing free GED education, job training, placement, justice‑involved record expungement, trauma coaching, and targeted career preparation.

About the Role

Be the catalyst that connects young people to their future. As a Case Manager in our WIOA program, you’ll help youth overcome barriers, navigate education gaps, and build career confidence one step at a time. In this role, you will be part of a passionate, field‑based team helping out‑of‑school young people achieve stability, earn specialized credentials, and transition successfully into sustainable employment.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with youth through intake assessments and individualized achievement planning.
• Assist youth with obtaining job placement.
• Provide vital life‑domain coaching in employment, education, housing, and mental health.
• Deliver one‑on‑one mentoring and positive behavior modeling in the field.
• Coordinate with families, mentors, employers, and schools to build a strong wrap‑around support network.
• Navigate community resources to connect youth with critical, localized social service systems.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation across program funding data systems.

Who we’re looking for

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (or a high school diploma/equivalent with 3 years of related youth‑work experience).
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and computer literacy skills.
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong communication skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience working in trauma‑informed environments with youth and families.
• Familiarity with positive youth development frameworks and strength‑based approaches.
• Outreach or recruitment skills to engage eligible youth into community programs.

Additional Information

Schedule may include daytime, evenings, and occasional weekends. Field‑based role with travel throughout the Chicago area in a personal vehicle. Combination of community‑based work and on‑site programming at our South Shore campus (1818 E 71st St) and other Lawrence Hall sites. Requires the ability to perform verbal and protective crisis interventions, including kneeling and returning to standing without assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $42,800–$45,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17‑25 days PTO + 9 holidays
• Medical insurance – HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance – HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto‑vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits – parking and transit
• 100% employer‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary life insurance for employees, spouses, and children
• Accident and critical illness insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability
• 100% employer‑paid employee assistance program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Employee referral bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing education units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public service loan forgiveness

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V