Workforce Development Case Manager

Company: MANUFACTURING RENAISSANCE
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Benefits: Flexible schedule Opportunity for advancement Training & development Department: Career Pathway Services (CPS) Reports to: Director of Career Pathway Services Type: part-time, up to 20 hours per week, 6-month contract possible Salary Range: $24-$35 per hour depending on experience Office: Chicago, IL, in-person office hours required most days, some remote work possible after adjustment period. ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1982. MRs mission is to advance inclusive sustainable development anchored in manufacturing. MR operates through two program areas: 1) Career Pathway Services: expose, inspire, train, and prepare youth and young adults for career track jobs in manufacturing; 2) Manufacturing Ecosystem Services: expand the coalitions, technical assistance supports and policies that support manufacturing-related programs that advance inclusive, scalable, sustainable development. We are a small but growing organization looking for purpose-driven professionals who wish to grow with us. MR envisions our programs will contribute to the tangible increases in racial equity, economic and social inclusion in our communities as we prepare youth and young adults to not only thrive in manufacturing careers, but to engage youth in broader community and personal development. ROLE OVERVIEW The Case Manager will be the primary support for rolling cohorts of youth and young adults participating in Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) workforce development programs. The case load will be approximately 30-45 participants with varying degrees of engagement. The Case Manager will also provide follow-up support after participants complete their initial training to ensure their successful transition into a sustainable career and independent living. The Case Manager, in partnership with all members of the Career Pathway Services (CPS) Team, will assess participant needs, strengths and barriers and provide necessary care and coordination to assist them in transitioning into the workforce and independent adulthood. The Case Manager is a participant-focused professional responsible for supporting individuals enrolled in workforce training programs from intake through completion, credential attainment, and placement or advancement. This role serves participants across internally operated technical and soft-skills programs as well as partner-delivered programs which in some cases are managed on behalf of other nonprofits. The Case Manager ensures that participants receive consistent support, progress is documented accurately, outcomes are tracked and reported, data needed for funder and partner requirements is gathered in an accurate and timely manner, and maintained over time. This role sits at the intersection of participant advocacy, program coordination, and performance reporting . ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Participant Intake, Assessment, Communications, and Support (40% of the time) Credential & Outcomes Tracking (20% of the time) Data Collection, Documentation, and Reporting (20% of the time) Continuous Improvement & Compliance (10% of the time) Other - includes team meetings, professional development, employer/site visits, cross-department coordination, and occasional participant recruitment support. (10% of the time) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Bachelors Degree in Youth Development or Social Work or equivalent work experience of 4 years of working with youth in a development capacity & 4 years of case management experience Must be able to do basic data entry and use internal systems to support the generation of standard reports for program and funder reporting Must have access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the City of Chicago Valid drivers license with good driving record if transporting students. Demonstration of / Completion of Student Safety training if driving participants Understanding of Social Work Ethics and Case Management/Youth Development best practices Must be able to pass background checks and fingerprinting to be in compliance with Chicago Public Schools policy Must be willing to be trained and fully comply with Illinois Mandated Reporter laws Demonstrate a strong ability to build trust and rapport with diverse learners Ability to balance advocacy for participants with program accountability Must have demonstrated strong organizational and time-management skills while managing multiple programs and partners Computer/internet literacy skills: proficient in using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other web applications PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Experience using Salesforce highly desired. Demonstrated administrative and time management skills. Track record for taking initiative, professionalism, and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Ability to adapt quickly to challenges and changing environments. Coordination & Communication Skills including Effective communication and working with teams while also able to be self-driven in independent work conditions. Clear written and verbal communication with staff, partners, and funders Ability to manage competing priorities while meeting reporting deadlines Collaborative mindset and comfort working across organizations TIMELINE Applicants will be accepted until January 31. Interviews will take place beginning to mid-February 2026 with onboarding to start at the end of February. This timeline is subject to change.

Keywords: MANUFACTURING RENAISSANCE, Orland Park , Workforce Development Case Manager, Human Resources , Chicago, Illinois