About the Montana Youth Challenge Academy
Do you enjoy an energetic, dynamic work environment? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of young Montanans? If so, start a rewarding career as a Post-Residential Case Manager at the Montana Youth Challenge Academy.
The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a residential academic intervention program for youth ages 16-18 who are at risk of high school dropout. Located at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT, the Academy provides a 22-week program of development for 100 youth, leveraging aspects of military training such as team accountability, leadership, and physical fitness to help youth build positive skills, self-confidence, and bright futures.
The Academy's mission is to improve the wellbeing of Montana communities, enhance the quality of life for participating youth, and positively influence at-risk youth to take charge of their lives through the acquisition of life-enhancing and employable skills.
Position Overview
This Case Manager position is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the overall progress, placement goals, and mentor relationships of each cadet on their assigned caseload. The role includes advocacy, communication, resource management, and promoting quality interventions and outcomes for cadets, mentors, and parents.
The position reports to the Post Residential Mentor Coordinator and simultaneously supervises cadet placement and cadet/mentor relationships for two post-residential caseloads while collaborating with the Counseling Department to research and secure realistic placement for cadets on an assigned Residential caseload (caseload of three classes is approximately 1:40).
Case Managers are involved in assessing, instructing, and assisting cadets, mentors, and parents for a 17-month period, supporting youth for one full year following graduation to ensure continued success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Case Management (40%)
- Assess, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the progress, placement goals, life plan development, and mentor relationships of each cadet to ensure each youth has a completed life plan that outlines a realistic and achievable plan for success after completion of the residential phase
- Participate in initial screenings and assessments to determine if youth are appropriate candidates for MYCA; conduct social intake interviews with candidates; review information with program counselors; participate in Quad meetings with counselors, teachers, and cadre
- Develop and provide training to cadets on placement goals, life plan development, relationship building with mentors, placement requirements, monthly reporting responsibilities after graduation, and community resources
- Teach curriculum for Mentee Training (3 sessions per cycle) to assist cadets in meeting placement and post-residential goals using S.M.A.R.T. goal setting theory
- Mentor 3-4 Residential cadets in the development and research of post-graduation placement goals, focusing on options in the military, workforce, or education (including high school, college, Job Corps, vocational education)
- Support the mentor recruitment and selection process by preparing application packets, making recruitment calls, and conducting background checks on prospective mentors
- Participate in the design and presentation of Mentor Training Breakout Sessions; prepare training materials and presentations to ensure mentors understand reporting requirements, challenges of working with at-risk youth, relationship building practices, and cadet placement requirements
- Coordinate online surveys with mentors and cadets to assess training effectiveness and Post-Residential program success; provide recommendations for program improvements
- Coordinate the attainment of verified placements for cadets before graduation through mock interviews, employment seeking phone rehearsals, internet employment searches, and application/resume assistance
- Prepare graduation packets outlining cadet placement information for parents and mentors
- Supervise cadets when teaching classes, meeting with cadets, assisting on the floor, and transporting cadets to events and appointments
Counseling (25%)
- Provide counseling and problem resolution services to cadets, parents, mentors, and other involved parties to increase cadet retention and success rates
- Counsel cadets, mentors, and parents on working together and monitoring personal growth goals including placement, crisis management, personal discipline, drug and alcohol issues, and life coping skills
- Provide ongoing coordination and communication between parents, mentors, and cadets to foster relationships of trust and resolve problems (falling out between mentors and cadets, potential expulsion or voluntary abandonment, conflict resolution)
- Offer direction and support to parents and mentors on dealing with cadets and associated issues; provide referrals to community supports and resources; maintain contact with cadets on behalf of parents and mentors
- Provide follow-up counseling to cadets on placement goals (education, military, or workforce) including guidance on obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in their chosen field
- Cooperate with MYCA Counseling staff and mentors prior to and during home visits to identify and encourage at-risk cadets to return and complete the Residential Phase
- Counsel parents on cadet placement requirements at the Cadet's Home Break departure
Correspondence and Records Administration (15%)
- Administer Recruiting and Post-Residential Monitoring Section correspondence, records, and reporting activities to ensure timely and accurate support for program activities
- Compile and record data on youth and mentors monthly to maintain and evaluate current records on youth placement, mentor/mentee monthly contact, and relationship issues during the 12-month post-residential phase
- Manage confidential records and program correspondence with mentors, parents, cadets, and placement agencies; information is used by the state legislature and National Guard Bureau to determine program funding levels
- Establish and maintain appropriate storage of all Post-Residential cadet and mentor files including highly confidential student and mentor personal data (protected health information, educational information, personal identifiers)
- Type, revise, and combine material such as correspondence, reports, records, forms, and numerical data from rough draft to corrected final copy; proofread and edit documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format
- Maintain data and provide reporting on matches, placements, reports received, residential contact with cadets and mentors, mailing and contact information; design and implement tracking forms; design, modify, and maintain electronic filing systems
- Design and publish quarterly Post-Residential newsletter
- Design and publish all information tracking forms both electronically and on paper including electronic surveys, monthly reports, and spreadsheets
- Purge records according to state guidelines yearly
Travel (10%)
Travel is required to provide support for Post-Residential cadets and mentors, provide support to the Admissions Department (recruiters) when necessary, and give presentations and networking opportunities to increase awareness of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy throughout the state.
Travel also includes attending continuing education and training as required outside Beaverhead County and at times out of state. Travel may include assisting other program personnel by transporting cadets to medical exams or for emergency attention if others are unavailable.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Perform a variety of other administrative and professional duties as assigned or as required, including cross-training and providing backup to other program staff, coordinating special projects and events, and conducting research.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $ 25.50 - 25.50 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan