Workforce Development Case Manager

Compensation

$40,000 annual base salary; performance-based bonus eligibility

Schedule

Full-time, in person, Monday through Friday

Work locations

3331 W. 26th Street, Chicago, IL

5801 W. Dickens Ave., Chicago, IL 60639

Travel and language

Some local travel; bilingual English and Spanish required

About Food Hero

Food Hero helps Chicago-area residents build culinary skills, connect with workforce training, and access employment pathways in hospitality and food production. We partner with employers and community organizations to support participants as they prepare for, secure, and sustain employment.

Position Overview

The Workforce Development Case Manager provides individualized, bilingual support to adults enrolled in Food Hero training and employment programs. The case manager guides participants from intake through training, job readiness, placement, and employment retention. This is a relationship-centered role that requires accurate documentation, consistent follow-up, and coordination with instructors, employer services staff, and community partners. This position is non-clinical and refers specialized needs to qualified providers.

Key ResponsibilitiesParticipant Intake and Case Planning

· Conduct participant orientations and intakes in English and Spanish; document goals, employment history, needs, and program eligibility requirements.

· Develop and update individualized service plans with clear milestones for training, job readiness, employment, and follow-up.

· Maintain regular contact with participants, track progress, and document case notes, referrals, consent, and next steps accurately and on time.

· Manage an assigned caseload, prioritize urgent participant needs, and coordinate with program staff when barriers affect progress.

Training Support and Barrier Reduction

· Monitor attendance, engagement, and progress in culinary and workforce training; work with instructors on appropriate re-engagement plans.

· Connect participants with community resources for transportation, childcare, housing, food, benefits navigation, and other practical needs.

· Provide strengths-based coaching on professional behavior, work readiness, goal setting, and navigating workplace challenges.

· Recognize issues requiring specialized support and make appropriate referrals while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Employment Placement and Retention

· Collaborate with employer services staff to prepare participants for interviews, referrals, hiring events, and suitable job opportunities.

· Help participants organize resumes, job applications, employment documents, schedules, and employer onboarding steps.

· Follow up with workers and employers after placement, including 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins when applicable to the program.

· Identify retention risks, coordinate reasonable support, and document placements, employment status, and outcomes.

Community Coordination and Program Reporting

· Maintain relationships with local workforce agencies, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations for participant referrals and support.

· Assist with community outreach, orientations, job fairs, and participant services at both Chicago offices and partner sites.

· Keep participant records complete and secure, following applicable program procedures, privacy expectations, and reporting requirements.

· Prepare accurate caseload, service, training completion, placement, and retention updates for Food Hero leadership.

Required Qualifications

· At least 3 years of related experience in case management, workforce development, human services, adult education, or participant support.

· Professional working proficiency in spoken and written English and Spanish.

· Ability to build trust, work respectfully with people from different backgrounds, and maintain clear professional boundaries.

· Strong organization, follow-through, documentation, and digital skills, including spreadsheets and participant database systems.

· Ability to work in person at both Chicago locations and travel locally for community and participant-related activities.

Preferred Experience

· Existing experience with Chicago community workforce programs, employment barriers, and referral networks.

· Experience serving job seekers entering hospitality, culinary, food service, or food manufacturing roles.

· Familiarity with workforce program outcomes, participant confidentiality, supportive services, and retention follow-up.

Measures of Success

Success is evaluated through timely intake and service planning, participant engagement and training completion, useful referrals, accurate case notes, successful employment transitions, and job retention. Performance goals should recognize the quality of support and participant circumstances, not just the number of cases closed.

Compensation and Application

Annual base salary: $40,000. Bonus eligibility and terms are subject to a separate Food Hero performance plan. .