Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Illinois Action for Children
Job overview
The Case Manager, Community Connections at Illinois Action for Children provides case management services to families with chronically absent children, aiming to improve school attendance and support family self-sufficiency in North Lawndale.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves managing a caseload of families, scheduling regular family visits, addressing attendance barriers, connecting families to resources, tracking data, collaborating with schools and partners, and supporting community system building and outreach.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers health, dental, and vision insurance with 95% company contribution for single coverage, a 401k with company match, generous PTO increasing with tenure, 11 paid holidays plus a floating holiday, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, and company-paid life insurance.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, or related field, with two years of casework experience, strong communication and documentation skills, cultural sensitivity, proficiency in Microsoft Office, a valid driver's license, and reliable transportation; flexibility for evenings and weekends is required.
Work environment and culture
Illinois Action for Children fosters a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture valuing diverse perspectives and identities, with a mission-driven and compassionate work environment focused on supporting vulnerable children and families.
Company information
Illinois Action for Children is a longstanding leader in early childhood care and education in Illinois, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families and reducing poverty effects through programs, services, and advocacy for over 50 years.
Team overview
The Case Manager will work under the North Lawndale Community Connections Manager and collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to strengthen outcomes and support system building.
Job location and travel
The position is located in North Lawndale, Illinois, with some flexibility for community engagement and field trips; reliable personal transportation is required.
Unique job features
The role uniquely focuses on reducing chronic school absenteeism through community engagement, family goal-setting, and collaboration with schools and partners, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and continuous quality improvement.
Company overview
Illinois Action for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting early childhood education and care. They make money through a combination of government funding, grants, and donations. Founded in 1969, the organization has a long history of advocating for policies that benefit children and families, providing resources such as child care assistance, early learning programs, and family support services. Their mission is to ensure that every child in Illinois has access to quality early childhood education and care.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize your experience in case management, especially working with families and children in diverse, underserved communities, aligning with Illinois Action for Children's mission and values.
Highlight skills in building relationships, problem-solving, and connecting families to community resources, as well as your ability to handle documentation and data tracking related to case management.
Apply through multiple channels including Illinois Action for Children's official career page, LinkedIn, and other job boards where the position is listed to maximize your application visibility.
Connect on LinkedIn with current employees in the Community Connections or similar departments at Illinois Action for Children; ice breakers could include commenting on recent IAFC community initiatives or asking about the team culture and impact of their work in North Lawndale.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'case management,' 'community resources,' 'family engagement,' 'data tracking,' and 'culturally sensitive communication' to ensure it passes automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify relevant job posting sites, and find LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.
Jennie Johnson works for you!
Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:
Targeted Resume Revamp:
We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.
Job Description Dissection:
Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.
Bespoke Cover Letter:
Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.
Interview Mastery:
Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.
Direct Application Insights:
Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.
Skills and Gaps Assessment:
Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.
Personalized Email Pitch:
Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.
In-depth Research Guide:
Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.
Detailed Company Analysis:
Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.
Strategic Candidate Overview:
Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.