What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Case Worker position at Macedonia Development Corporation, NFP?
Description
Job Summary
Macedonia Development Corporation, NFP (MDC) is seeking an Academic Case Worker for 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 supports participants through academic tutoring, mental health and behavioral support, and coordination of wraparound services. Responsibilities include monitoring academic progress and attendance, maintaining IEPs, facilitating counseling sessions, and connecting students with community resources. This Case Worker will work closely with the Social Services Case Worker to assist participants facing academic challenges. The Academic Case Worker will support administering the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services to participants and help students prepare for the Bridge Program and Technical Clean Energy Training Options. This position plays a key role in fostering a supportive, trauma-informed learning environment.
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
Qualifications
Job Summary
Macedonia Development Corporation, NFP (MDC) is seeking an Academic Case Worker for 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 supports participants through academic tutoring, mental health and behavioral support, and coordination of wraparound services. Responsibilities include monitoring academic progress and attendance, maintaining IEPs, facilitating counseling sessions, and connecting students with community resources. This Case Worker will work closely with the Social Services Case Worker to assist participants facing academic challenges. The Academic Case Worker will support administering the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services to participants and help students prepare for the Bridge Program and Technical Clean Energy Training Options. This position plays a key role in fostering a supportive, trauma-informed learning environment.
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.
- Monitor participant progress and develop action plans to enhance academic performance, considering each student’s social, educational, and emotional needs, and ensuring progress on IEPs.
- Collaborate closely with MDC’s Lead and Social Service Caseworkers to provide holistic care and support to program participants.
- Track and monitor participant attendance in classes, lectures, and academic activities.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve attendance and engagement, in coordination with other caseworkers.
- Apply expertise in racialized trauma, trauma-informed care, and mental health to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Implement behavioral management strategies and collaborate with stakeholders to build a holistic support system.
- Work with instructors and administrators to implement effective behavioral support plans.
- Collaborate with external partners to strengthen student support networks.
- Help students identify and access their academic potential.
- Offer tools and strategies to help overcome educational and personal barriers.
- Maintain regular communication with program stakeholders about student performance.
- Coordinate tutoring services for program participants.
- Organize make-up sessions and manage post-assessment retakes as necessary.
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.
- Strong background in student services.
- Proven experience in social services or case management.
- Experience working directly with students and adult learners.
- Training in mental health, with a focus on racialized trauma and trauma-informed care.
- Experience supporting individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- 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.