Christian Neighbors (CN) has provided critical services to Plainwell, Otsego, Martin, and surrounding communities since 1983. Our mission is to provide a safe place for people in our community who need food, rent and utility assistance, education, or other resources to help create stability in their lives.
Job: Case Manager
Hours: 30 to 34 per week (average 32 hours per week)
Pay: $20 to $23 per hour (commensurate with education and experience)
Job Classification: Part-time; non-exempt
Schedule: Regularly scheduled hours may change based on organization needs, and additional flexibility may be approved:
- Monday in office 9:00 am – 6:15 pm (for drive thru pantry)
- Tuesday in office 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday hybrid Approx 5 - 7 hours during day; Some days in office or remote
- Thursday in office 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday Off - Unless needed for occasional events
Evenings and weekends are occasionally needed to support CN events.
Location: In person at Plainwell office 3 - 4 days each week.
Benefits
- 3 weeks of paid time off, based on hours worked (e.g. approximately 96 hours annually), and pro-rated for 2025 based on hire date.
- Additional paid vacation week for all employees December 24 through January 1, plus additional paid holidays.
- Eligibility for Simple Plan Retirement Program and CN will match up to 3% of your contribution.
Deadline: Apply with cover letter by September 12, 2025.
Summary
With a caring heart for the Christian Neighbors' mission, this position involves interviewing new food pantry clients to assess their needs, providing case management services, and guiding them toward appropriate resources. This includes connecting clients with Emergency Financial Assistance, Education Resource Center (ERC) classes/programs, or other relevant community and county services to promote greater self-sufficiency. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate client records in the database, providing ongoing case management for new and high-needs clients including Veterans and seniors and overseeing the Transportation Assistance Pilot Program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Case Management
- Interview new food pantry clients and assess eligibility for other additional internal services such as housing, utilities, and/or medical financial assistance; make appropriate referrals.
- Assess client needs and identify additional unmet needs, such as lack of SNAP/WIC benefits, budgeting, medical insurance, etc.
- Proactively refer clients to ERC classes and services.
- Provide ongoing case management and maintain accurate client files by following up with clients to provide timely information updates and determine continued need for assistance, until the need is met, or the case is closed.
- Monitor and maintain accurate and complete case records in the database for all clients interviewed and/or served. This includes supporting documentation and notes regarding applicant identification, income, HHS decision notice, etc. Regularly update client case notes and maintain statistical data.
- Support clients in the Resource Workshop each week, answering questions and referring to services.
- Develop a tracking system for senior clients and veterans to monitor their progress and provide more targeted case management. Create a reporting process and provide quarterly updates.
- Refer and connect clients to other community or county services as appropriate, such as MI Works, MI Bridges Navigator (HHS) or state of emergency release.
- Partner with Program Director and other Case Manager to develop and maintain a referral process.
- Provide interventions to guide applicants towards greater self-sufficiency including information on other food pantries, education and financial literacy interventions.
- Maintain accurate spreadsheets that track other data points not captured in the database.
- Attend weekly Case Management Collaboration meetings.
Food Records and Reporting
- Maintain timely and accurate records of food pantry visits in the client database.
- In collaboration with Food Pantry Director, reconcile pantry visit data monthly to ensure accurate figures.
External Relationships and Resources
- Network with other food pantries and other service providers to maintain awareness of and coordinate services provided by other local social service agencies for the benefit of the client’s immediate or additional needs.
- Advocate for resources and assistance for clients and educate the community and stakeholders to bring awareness to issues.
- Maintain current HHS Navigator certification or obtain certification if not already held.
- Attend Kalamazoo and Allegan County program specific forums and participate in Steering Committee for Allegan County Food Collaborative and Foundation.
- Lead the Transportation Assistance Pilot Program – In collaboration with the Program Director and other Case Manager, identify qualifying clients, create a referral system, manage logistics for service quotes and coordination with automotive service vendors, oversee payments, and determine if ACT transportation is required. Develop a reporting process and report progress quarterly
Other
- Support other Case Manager with the coordination of yearly client Christmas program, including communicating with City of Plainwell, the City of Otsego, and clients.
- Become trained as a Matter of Balance coach and serve as a substitute coach as needed.
- Develop and manage the scam and fraud prevention program at the Education Resource Center.
- Coordinate a yearly event that would be beneficial to Christian Neighbors clients.
- Partner with staff to answer the main CN phone and the front door to greet visitors and accept deliveries.
- Encouraged to find grants, create stories, and provide data to support grant reports.
- Create, schedule, and monitor your social media posts, responding to messages and posts as needed.
- Maintain content on CN website for areas of responsibility.
- Gain knowledge and understanding of CN’s services and programs, support and participate in CN’s programs and events, and assist with pantry deliveries when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of all CN’s clients, information, and resources, and follow all CN policies and procedures.
- Model professional and responsible behavior, adhering to professional ethics and client boundaries.
- Work collaboratively with the team, supporting each other to fulfill CN’s mission.
- Attend and actively participate in all staff and other required meetings.
- Understand and embrace the community we serve with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Seek and participate in ongoing education to expand knowledge and utilize skills to continually improve.
- Perform other duties as assigned by manager or the Executive Director (ED).
Note: This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Associate’s degree is required with 2 years of social service case management experience; or a minimum of 4 years of social service case management experience is required in lieu of an associate’s degree.
- Bachelor’s degree is preferred in social services or related field.
- Experience working with ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals, low-income, and marginalized populations is preferred.
- Non-profit experience is a plus.
Skills and other Competencies
- A heart for the mission with an understanding and ability to embrace the community we serve.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills who can build and maintain relationships with the team, clients, volunteers, partners, etc.
- Strong attention to detail to maintain accurate client case notes.
- Solid technical skills in Microsoft programs with the aptitude to learn new systems as needed.
- Take initiative, be organized and flexible to adapt to CN’s changing needs.
- Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively with the team and diverse groups of people.
- Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
Other Requirements
- Must pass background check.
- Must have reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
These work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regular standing, walking, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling with ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment and to use fine motor hand skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Christian Neighbors is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in both its employment practices and the delivery of its program services. This policy applies to staff, volunteers, volunteer board members, and guests (clients). This agency will pursue a practice where the education, health and human service needs of residents within our service area are addressed without regard to age, race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected status. Further, this policy prohibits job discrimination and ensures equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person