Case Manager - Youth Challenge Academy

This job posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
The New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (NMNGYCA) is a free 17 ½ month alternative program for youth aged 16-18 that starts with a demanding 22-week quasi-military residential phase in which cadets from all over the state live in Roswell. This is followed by a year of mentoring support to help graduates maintain positive lifestyles. The focus during the residential phase is on the development of the whole person through training of the eight (8) Core Components: Academic Excellence; Life Coping Skills; Job Skills; Responsible Citizenship; Leadership/Followership; Health and Hygiene; Physical Fitness; Service to Community, which are designed to instill healthy, life-long skills that have been time-proven to lead to success. In this phase, all cadets will live in military style barracks, work towards earning a HiSET (High School Equivalency Credential) and are eligible to receive college credits in a vocational training program provided by Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell. Once a cadet graduates from the residential phase, the 12-month post-residential phase begins. This phase features monthly contact with an assigned mentor, who helps the cadet stay on track and remain focused on their life goals.

The Case Manager is responsible for supporting an appropriate number of cadets by collecting, maintaining, recording, and entering data into the NMNGYCA database for tracking purposes. During the residential phase, the Case Manager is responsible for providing instruction to cadets on goal setting and assisting the cadet with the development of a Post-Residential Action Plan (PRAP) to ensure the cadets' future success. Upon completion of the residential phase, the Case Manager is responsible for maintaining contact with the cadets and their assigned mentor throughout the twelve (12) month post-residential phase via phone, mail, or email to track and monitor the cadet's success and ensuring the mentor relationship is meeting program criteria. The Case Manager often tracks three (3) class cycles of cadets at one time (current, recently graduated, and final phase).

The position will:
Assist cadets with developing goals and a Post-Residential Action Plan to ensure long term success;
Assist cadets with finding employment, enrolling in college, or joining the military;
Provide instruction to mentors and cadets on reporting requirements and responsibilities;
Maintain contact with mentors and cadets via phone, mail, or email; and,
Manage and input required data into the program's database in accordance with National Guard Bureau requirements.

Cadets enrolled at the NMNGYCA, their assigned mentors and fellow staff members.

The ideal candidate:
Is self motivated;
Possesses effective communication skills;
Excels at organization and time management;
Has experience working with youth in a classroom setting;
Is a decision-maker and problem solver; and,
Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills.

High School Diploma or Equivalency and two (2) years of experience as a social or community coordinator and/or social worker assistant. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

Employment is subject to a pre-employment national background investigation and post-offer background check to include fingerprints and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Work is performed in both an office and an academic setting on a large campus with multiple buildings and may involve exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required. Occasional overtime during peak cycle times may be required. Travel may be required for meetings and conferences.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.