Employment Case Manager at Friends Outside in Modesto, CA

Employment Case Manager

Location: Modesto, California

The Employment Case Manager provides intensive, client-centered case management and employment services to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, including those who are incarcerated, on probation or parole, or transitioning back into the community. This position supports participants in overcoming barriers to employment, housing, family reunification, and long-term stability through evidence-based, trauma-informed practices. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing individualized service plans, coordinating access to community resources, facilitating educational and life-skills workshops, and assisting participants in obtaining and retaining employment.

The Employment Case Manager serves as an advocate, educator, mentor, and resource navigator, helping participants build the skills and support systems necessary for successful reintegration. Working collaboratively with employers, landlords, community organizations, correctional institutions, probation and parole departments, and other stakeholders, the Employment Case Manager promotes self-sufficiency, personal accountability, family engagement, and positive community outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field; or
• Four years’ experience providing case management, employment services, or supportive services to vulnerable or high-risk populations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based case management practices, assessment tools, and individualized service planning.
• Knowledge of criminogenic risk factors and strategies that support successful reentry outcomes.
• Ability to utilize motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches to support participant engagement and behavior change.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-responsive, and nonjudgmental service delivery practices.
• Ability to work effectively with justice-involved individuals and their families.
• Ability to collaborate with correctional institutions, probation departments, parole agencies, courts, employers, and community organizations.
• Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) credential or ability to obtain certification within twelve (12) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or facilitating classes for justice-involved, underserved, or at-risk populations.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and effective classroom management techniques.
• Experience in workforce development, employment placement, vocational training, or career coaching.
• Experience working with housing providers, landlords, and property management organizations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Experience working in nonprofit, reentry, behavioral health, or community-based service environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Case Management and Client Services

• Provide comprehensive, evidence-based case management services to program participants.
• Conduct assessments to identify participant strengths, barriers, employment readiness, housing needs, family support needs, and criminogenic risk factors.
• Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals designed to promote successful reentry and long-term stability.
• Monitor participant progress and modify service plans as necessary to address changing needs and circumstances.
• Provide ongoing support, encouragement, coaching, and accountability throughout the participant's engagement in services.
• Maintain regular contact with participants through office visits, field visits, telephone communication, and virtual platforms as appropriate.
• Facilitate referrals and linkages to community-based resources including housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, education, transportation, legal assistance, substance use treatment, and other supportive services.
• Assist participants in navigating complex systems and accessing benefits and resources needed to achieve program goals.

Employment Services

• Assess participant employment history, skills, interests, barriers, and workforce readiness.
• Develop individualized employment plans that support career exploration, job placement, and retention.
• Provide job readiness services including resume development, employment applications, interview preparation, workplace expectations, and professional communication skills.
• Assist participants in identifying vocational training opportunities, educational pathways, certifications, and career advancement options.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, workforce development agencies, training providers, and community partners to increase employment opportunities for participants.
• Coordinate job placement activities and assist participants in obtaining sustainable employment.
• Provide follow-up support to participants and employers to promote successful job retention and address workplace challenges.

Classroom Facilitation and Group Services

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate educational workshops and curriculum-based classes for participants and community members.
• Lead classroom instruction that may include topics such as:
  • Job Readiness and Workforce Development
  • Financial Literacy
  • Tenant Rights and Housing Stability
  • Positive Parenting and Family Reunification
  • Creative Conflict Resolution
  • Communication Skills
  • Life Skills Development
  • Other reentry-related topics as assigned
• Create lesson plans and instructional materials that are engaging, culturally responsive, and aligned with program objectives.
• Facilitate monthly reentry support groups and family support groups.
• Foster a positive learning environment that encourages participation, personal growth, and skill development.

Family Engagement and Community Collaboration

• Promote family-inclusive services when appropriate to support participant success and family reunification.
• Provide support, education, and referrals to participant family members.
• Collaborate with community organizations, social service agencies, educational institutions, employers, landlords, and other stakeholders to establish and maintain a strong network of resources.
• Develop partnerships that expand access to housing, employment, and supportive services for participants.
• Work collaboratively with probation officers, parole agents, correctional staff, courts, and law enforcement agencies to support participant success and program goals.

Documentation, Compliance, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete participant files in accordance with agency, county, state, and funding source requirements.
• Enter and track participant data in required databases and case management systems.
• Prepare reports, progress notes, service documentation, and outcome tracking as required.
• Monitor participant outcomes and contribute to program performance measures and reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

Professional Development

• Participate in all required agency meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and community partner meetings.
• Maintain all required certifications and professional credentials.
• Stay informed of best practices related to reentry services, workforce development, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and case management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Reentry Programs.

Other Requirements:

• Valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required.
• Strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data entry and proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook, and Internet, and electronic database systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of community resources and how to access them.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible and dependable, and demonstrate initiative and creativity.
• Weekend and evening availability, when necessary, to meet the needs of the program.
• Treat staff, colleagues, and clients with respect and dignity.
• Physical capacity to lift and carry containers and materials up to 20 pounds (utilizing safe and accepted methods to avoid injury).
• Support the mission and philosophies of Friends Outside.