Project Elevate Case Manager I

Project Elevate Initiative: Case Manage

• Wages: $22 - $25/hour based on experience and education.
• Hours: 30 - 40 hours/week, with flexibility based on program needs. Potential for increased hours depending on program needs.
• Includes eligibility for 401(k) and professional growth opportunities.

Position Overview:

Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy & Services (CARAS) is on-call, culturally responsive agency, supporting of the Latino and Native American communities. Our mission is to serve low-income youth and families in the community, providing culturally competent and sensitive programming, based on the needs and assets present in South Santa Clara County. We were formed by community members, activists and organizers, concerned with the lack of sufficient resources and services available to Latino families.

This position will be placed at the CARAS Youth Hub, whose vision is to empower historically marginalized youth through culturally rooted mentorship, healing-informed care, and community engagement; CARAS Youth Hub uplifts young people, particularly Latino, Indigenous, and system-impacted youth (Child-Welfare, Education and Juvenile Justice systems) by fostering leadership, resilience and collective well-being.

We are seeking a compassionate, community-driven Case Manager to support our Project Elevate initiative.Under the direction of the Program Director and Project Elevate Supervisor, the Case Manager plays a vital role in guiding youth and families through healing-centered pathways while building trust, cultural connection, and access to essential resources.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct strengths-based intake assessments and screenings that reflect the cultural, social, and emotional needs of youth and families.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with youth, grounded in culturally rooted and trauma-informed practices.
• Connect youth to relevant community services such as education support, healing programs, behavioral health, employment opportunities, and mentorship.
• Coordinate and facilitate logistics such as transportation, appointment scheduling, and service follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case notes using a reflective and strengths-focused lens.
• Act as a liaison and advocate for youth in meetings with schools, probation, social services, and community partners.
• Participate in and support healing circles, rites of passage programs (e.g., Joven Noble), leadership activities, and prosocial/cultural field trips.
• Provide one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and goal-setting support grounded in cultural humility and empowerment.
• Build and sustain relationships with partner agencies and promote Elevate youth programs in the community.
• Attend professional development opportunities that deepen understanding of racial equity, historical trauma, and community wellness.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Deep commitment to youth empowerment, restorative practices, and social justice.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication (verbal and written); research and analytical skills.
• Ability to mediate conflict, foster trust, and create safe spaces for youth.
• Ability to network and establish relationships with organizations and county social workers.
• Competent with technology (Microsoft Office, basic database use)- including operation of basic office equipment (laptops, printer, fax, etc.).
• Skilled in relationship building with youth, families, and systems partners.
• As a primary contact for clients, positive attitude is a must- a positive disposition while assisting clients with referrals or coaching.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Culturally competency/humility, cultural responsiveness and lived or professional experience with communities impacted by systemic oppression.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field, or minimum 4 years of relevant community-based experience.
• Professional experience working with system-impacted youth (child welfare, juvenile justice, foster care, etc.); or supporting individuals with challenging behaviors.
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record.

CARAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to Racial Equity and Cultural belonging.