Social Services Case Worker at Macedonia Development Corporation Nfp – East St. Louis, Illinois

Job Summary

The Macedonia Development Corporation, NFP (MDC)is seeking a Social Services Case Worker to provide support to participants of the East Saint Louis: Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Network Program. This role begins with conducting comprehensive assessments during intake and connecting individuals to essential services. This Case Worker will work closely with the Academic Case Worker to assist participants facing academic challenges and will support administering the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services to participants. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with wrap around service providers, engaging community partners, and referring participants to external support services as needed.

Organization Overview

Our mission is to empower our proud and resilient East St. Louis community to turn the tide of historic disinvestment and systemic racism by accelerating its own capabilities to build wealth, create career-sustaining jobs, enable a healthier and cleaner environment, and drive broad reinvestment back into local businesses and families so that East St. Louis can thrive and succeed for generations to come.

Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), our CEJA Workforce Network Program called ESTL Workforce Hub empowers job seekers with the skills and resources needed to excel in today's job market in our region. Along with specialized technical job training within the clean energy field, the program provides job readiness support—from resume building and interview preparation to writing assistance—and access to certification testing to strengthen qualifications. The ESTL Workforce Hub will also offer wrap around services and support in order to help participants overcome barriers to successful completion. By partnering with a network of hiring businesses, we connect individuals to genuine job opportunities, -offering trusted referrals to a supportive employment ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement student support services to address academic needs and support entry into the Bridge Program and Technical Clean Energy Training Options.
• Significant data entry into Case Management software to follow the lifetime of each participant in the ESTL Workforce Hub, along with follow ups after employment.
• Administer comprehensive intake and career plan for each participant.
• Set up services based on assessment outcomes, ensuring participants receive the necessary support.
• Collaborate closely with MDC's Lead and Academic Caseworkers to provide holistic care and support to program participants.
• Coordinate with the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program, working closely with navigators to ensure effective coordination and support.
• Identify and engage additional wrap around service partners and programs to enhance long-term support capacity for participants. Engage and coordinate with external providers and partners to expand available support services.
• Build and maintain community partnerships to improve access to comprehensive assistance.
• Refer participants to appropriate external services when needed.
• Ensure smooth coordination between MDC resources and outside service providers to maintain continuity of care and support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work is strongly preferred
• 2-3 years of experience in Social Work, Human Services, Data Entry or related fields
• Demonstrated proficiency in data entry, with a high level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail required.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and navigate new software platforms and digital tools, including cloud-based systems and data management applications.
• Familiarity with Illinois workNet systems is a plus, especially experience navigating workforce development tools, reporting, or participant tracking features.
• Proven experience in social services or case management.
• Training in mental health, with a focus on racialized trauma and trauma-informed care.
• Experience supporting individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION

• Will work in an educational environment, collaborating closely with students, educators, and administrators. Flexibility in scheduling may be required to accommodate student needs.
• Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Please note that this position includes paid time off (PTO) but does not currently include a comprehensive benefits package, such as medical insurance or retirement plans.

Reports to: Lead Case Manager