Community Case Manager & Program Coordinator

ABOVE AND BEYOND Free Food Pantry

Community Case Manager & Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k) matching

    Dental insurance

    Health insurance

    Paid time off

    Vision insurance

    Position Overview

    Above and Beyond Food Pantry seeks a full-time Community Case Manager & Program Coordinator to support and expand our case management and social services programming. This is a non-exempt, hourly position that is community-facing, structured, and hands-on.

    This position does not include staff supervision or people management responsibilities. The role may provide day-to-day task direction and coordination to volunteers, interns, or stipend-based program support staff to support program effectiveness.

    This role requires a professional who is proactive, organized, and comfortable initiating daily client engagement. Success in this position depends on consistently building relationships, encouraging participation in services, and maintaining organized, client-ready program operations.

    The position is initially structured as approximately 60% case management, outreach, and partnership coordination and 40% program and pantry support. As caseloads increase and the case management program continues to grow, the proportion of time dedicated to direct casework is expected to increase accordingly, with the role gradually shifting toward a more casework-focused position over time. Duties are performed during scheduled work hours and may vary by day based on operational needs. This is not a remote role and is not an

    on-call position.

    Essential Functions & Responsibilities

    (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

    Case Management & Client Engagement (Approx. 70%)

    Proactively engage pantry clients during scheduled work hours to assess needs and encourage participation in case management services

    Build and maintain an active caseload through direct, in-person outreach; this role does not rely solely on self-referrals

    Provide short and long term case management support, including assistance with:

    Housing navigation and referrals

    Public benefits and entitlement programs

    Employment and workforce resources

    Identification and vital document assistance

    Referrals to healthcare, legal, and social service partners

    Maintain timely, accurate case notes and documentation in accordance with organizational and funder requirements

    Apply trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally responsive practices

    Identify service gaps and communicate program improvement recommendations to leadership

    Partnerships & Program Coordination

    • Establish and maintain working relationships with community partners, agencies, and service providers

    • Coordinate on-site partner visits, workshops, and group services during scheduled hours

    • Manage the program calendar in collaboration with leadership to ensure consistency and coverage

    • Serve as a point of contact for scheduled partner program activities

    • Provide day-to-day task guidance and coordination to volunteers, interns, or stipend-based program support staff assigned to the social services program; this role does not include hiring, disciplinary authority, or formal performance evaluations.

    Program & Pantry Support (Approx. 30%)

    • Support the organization, cleanliness, and readiness of program and pantry spaces

    • Set up and break down rooms for scheduled group sessions, workshops, and meetings

    • Prepare basic hospitality needs (coffee, water, materials) for clients, volunteers, and partners

    • Assist with basic needs distribution (hygiene items, diapers, harm reduction, etc.) as assigned

    • Provide general operational support to ensure smooth transitions before and after programs

    Schedule & Work Hours

    • This is a regularly scheduled position, with hours set in advance with a typical schedule being Monday-Friday.

    • Schedule changes, if needed, will be communicated in accordance with applicable labor laws

    • Occasional evenings or weekends may be scheduled with advance notice

    • This position does not require on-call availability

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

    • Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management, outreach, or direct service work

    • Demonstrated ability to independently engage clients and build participation in services

    • Strong organizational and time-management skills

    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

    • Ability to work in a fast-paced, community-based environment

    • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

    • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

    • Willingness to become a Notary Public (training provided)

    • Must successfully complete a background check and onboarding process

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Bilingual Spanish/English

    • Familiarity with Chicago's West Side communities and local resources

    • Experience with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, or housing-insecure populations

    • Experience coordinating partnerships or group programming

    Physical & Work Environment Requirements

    • Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the facility

    • Regular interaction with clients, volunteers, and community partners

    • Combination of office, pantry, and program space environments

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    Above and Beyond Food Pantry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

    Job Description Disc aimer

    This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change to meet organizational needs, provided such changes are consistent with the role, classification, and applicable labor laws.