Life Navigator (Caseworker)

Overview
The F.I.R.M. Family Foundation is seeking a compassionate, highly organized Life Navigator to support participants in the Building FIRM Foundations program. This role is critical to ensuring community members successfully complete workforce development training, including occupational safety, construction, and digital literacy instruction. The Life Navigator provides intensive, one-on-one case management, helping participants overcome barriers to employment, navigate local resources, and build essential life skills using the P.I.E.C.E.S. soft-skills framework.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Navigation & Case Management

• Manage a dedicated caseload of up to 50 program participants, providing continuous support from intake through program completion and job placement.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to identify individual barriers to employment, housing, or food security, and develop actionable success plans.
• Track participant progress, outcomes, and daily activities utilizing non-profit case management software.

Resource Coordination & Advocacy

• Connect participants with vital wrap-around services.
• Serve as a liaison between participants and instructional partners, ensuring attendance and active engagement with our training providers.
• Advocate for participants within the community, fostering relationships with local agencies to expand the network of available support services.

Program Support & Compliance

• Facilitate sessions and reinforce principles from the P.I.E.C.E.S. soft-skills framework to ensure workforce readiness.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation to ensure strict compliance with reporting standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Director, Life Navigator, and Job Developer to align participant goals with available employment and training opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in case management, social work, human services, or workforce development.
• Case Management Skills: Proven ability to manage a dedicated caseload, perform comprehensive needs assessments, and accurately document participant outcomes.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience working with non-profit case management software platforms (such as Apricot, CaseWorthy, or Case Management Hub) and maintaining digital records.
• Local Knowledge: Strong familiarity with Springfield, Illinois, community resources, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by local residents.
• Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, active listening, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Springfield, IL 62703