Status: Full Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director & Director of Programs
Schedule: Full-time 37.5 hour week, weekdays; evenings and weekends depending on client need; Overtime possible
Compensation: $30 to $34 hourly
Benefits: Health and dental insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and additional benefits per the employee handbook
Overview:
Center of Concern is launching Care Management as a new, private-pay wing of our services, and we are looking for our founding Care Manager to help build it. This is a pilot program -performance and growth over the pilot period will directly shape a permanent, sustained program within the agency. Revenue generated through this private-pay service will also help fund Center of Concern's charitable programs for older adults and housing-unstable individuals across the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
This is a ground-floor role for someone who wants to shape how a new program is built, refine its model based on real client outcomes, and grow with it as it becomes permanent.
About aging life care management:
Aging life care management offers a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, a skilled care manager provides answers at a time of uncertainty, guiding families toward the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, while reducing worry, stress, and time away from work for family caregivers. This includes:
- Assessment and monitoring
- Planning and problem-solving
- Education and advocacy
- Family caregiver coaching
Position summary:
The Aging Life Care Manager is responsible for providing quality professional care management services to clients and their responsible parties, primarily older adults, as well as adults with physical and mental disabilities. The objective is to help clients manage and navigate the challenges of aging while maintaining the highest possible quality of life. This role is based in Des Plaines, IL, with regular travel to client homes and appointments throughout the surrounding region.
The Aging Life Care Manager works in significant and close collaboration with Center of Concern's Older Adult Advocate, who provides charitable case management to community clients experiencing need. This role carries an expected caseload of 15 to 20 clients and/or 75–80% billable time.
Key responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with the Older Adult Advocate to coordinate care across the agency's private-pay and charitable service lines
- Maintain an expected caseload of 15 to 20 clients and/or 75–80% billable time
- Care coordination across medical, social, and support services
- Managing and overseeing home health aides
- Medical oversight and interfacing with medical personnel
- Advocacy, information, and referrals
- Support for families navigating chronic illness, dementia, and caregiver resistance
- Assessment, monitoring, and ongoing care planning
- Client home visits and appointments throughout the region
- Coordinated communication between family members, physicians, other professionals, and service providers
- Build and maintain referral relationships with hospitals, discharge planners, physicians, senior living communities, elder-law attorneys, and other community partners to generate client referrals
- Represent the program in the community and help build its visibility and reputation during the pilot period
Qualifications:
- Experience working with older adults strongly preferred
- Clinical background welcome - e.g., RN, OT, PT, or related license
- Care management credential preferred, such as: Certified Case Manager (CCM) through the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), Certified Care Manager (CMC) through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM), certification through the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), Accredited Case Manager (ACM) through the American Case Management Association (ACMA), or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor/Case Manager through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
- Candidates who do not currently hold one of the above credentials will be required to register for the Certified Case Manager (CCM) exam preparation and sit for a qualifying care management certification exam within 90 days of employment
- Comfort with outreach and relationship-building to develop referral sources; interest in helping grow a new program's client base
- Prior experience developing professional referral networks a plus
- Professional, positive approach with a strong commitment to client-centered service
- Self-motivated, able to work with own initiative in a new and evolving program
- Strong relationship-builder; team player able to communicate across all levels
- Recognizes industry trends and brings sound judgment to problem-solving
- Respectful of company and client confidentiality - any violation of confidentiality is grounds for immediate dismissal
- Ability to provide personalized, compassionate service focused on each client's individual wants and needs
- Ability to provide non-directive guidance and facilitate constructive relationships
- Skilled at avoiding inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations
- Strong time management skills
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel to client homes and appointments across the region
Why join us:
- A job you will love
- Fulfilling work
- A rewarding career
- A supportive environment
- The chance to make a real difference for your clients
- Work in a field that is very much in demand
- A true pilot opportunity - help build a program from the ground up, with a path to a permanent role as it grows
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
This role combines office-based work with regular travel to client homes, medical appointments, and community settings throughout the region. The essential functions require the ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel to client locations; communicate effectively in person and by phone and email; work at a computer workstation for documentation and care planning; and navigate a variety of client environments, which may include stairs, non-accessible homes, and settings with limited mobility access. The role may require occasional lifting or assisting with client mobility, and includes evening and weekend availability depending on client need. Center of Concern will provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Center of Concern is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position and may be revised at the organization's discretion.
Pay: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- If offered the role, when is the earliest you could start?
- What city is Center of Concern located in?
Work Location: In person
