Youth Case Manager (Bilingual English-Karen)

Position Title: Youth Case Manager (Bilingual English-Karen)
Reports to: Program Supervisor
Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $22.50 – $25.50/hour depending on qualifications

Position Summary:

The Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) is seeking a bilingual (Karen-English) professional who is passionate to work with youth facing challenges related to substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, and family issues. The Youth Case Manager will work alongside KOM’s Community Health Educators, community leaders, parents, youth, and partner organizations. The Youth Case Manager will provide coordinated services to help youth from Burma in Minnesota connect to treatment, stable housing, and community. The Youth Case Manager will also facilitate group activities for at-risk youth. Worksites would include St. Paul Public School sites, other community locations in the twin cities and KOM office.

This is a full-time position offering benefits including health insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, 10 paid holidays, and paid time off. The Karen Organization of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In collaboration with other team members, the Youth Case Manager will:

• Conduct outreach to identify at-risk youth with concerns related to substance use, mental health, homelessness, and/or family problems.
• Complete intake and assessment to determine participants’ needs and goals.
• Complete timely and thorough case notes on client’s progress and client interactions.
• Conduct warm referrals to relevant programs within and outside of KOM.
• Provide case management in coordination with parents, school social workers, juvenile courts and probation, chemical and mental health treatment programs, and other relevant service providers.
• Communicate with each enrolled youth at least bi-weekly to monitor the progress on their goals and address their challenges.
• Support families of enrolled youth, including assisting them to access resources, interpreting, and transportation.
• Participate in meetings with youth leaders, community leaders, and other partners to coordinate prevention and intervention activities.
• Track participants activities and outcomes in KOM’s client database in accordance with funder requirements and KOM data privacy policies.
• Co-facilitate group activities for at-risk youth with youth mentors, group activities will focus on physical activity, mental health wellbeing and social connectedness.
• Attend bi-weekly team and all staff meetings.
• Walk-in hours 4 hours/week at KOM office to assist community members with various needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Able to speak fluently in English and S’gaw Karen. Additional language abilities (i.e. Pwo Karen, Karenni, Burmese, Chin, Mon, Thai) are a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or related field; or Highschool diploma/GED with at least two years of experience providing case management to youth and families with complex needs.
• Competency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint & database applications.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s license, clean driving record and proof of insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active involvement in the Karen community and ability to connect with community members.
• Passion for working with at-risk youth and using motivational skills to help them accomplish their goals
• Strong problem-solving abilities and discernment in responding to personal and systemic challenges faced by clients
• Ability to advocate on behalf of clients to overcome barriers to accessing services
• Strong communication skills to facilitate constructive conversation between youth, parents, and various service providers
• Knowledge and familiarity with programs, services, and resources for youth at-risk in Minnesota
• Comfort with giving public presentations in Karen and/or English regarding drugs and alcohol
• Experience maintaining case files and ensuring data privacy
• Flexibility to adapt plans based on feedback from partners and community members
• Strong people skills across class, religion, culture, age, and gender

To Apply:

Email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to humanresources@mnkaren.org

The Karen Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will be considered for employment and advancement without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. This policy applies to all employment practices and terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to: promotions, transfers, compensation, terminations, training, and participation in KOM-sponsored benefits or programs. Employees and applicants should raise any concerns they might have regarding possible discrimination or harassment with KOM’s Co-Executive Directors.