Careers

Fresh Start Program Manager

Location: Eau Claire, WI
Starting Wage: $54,165 to $67,725
Department: Housing & Family Services
Shift: Days
Status: Full Time

The Fresh Start Program Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of the Fresh Start Program, which provides comprehensive services to at-risk young adults aged 17–25. This includes educational, employment, and independent living skills training opportunities through collaboration with community partners. This position also provides participants with direct support and life skills training to promote personal and professional development, as well as supervision of the Fresh Start Teacher/Transition Coordinator. This is a full-time, 36 hours per week, Monday through Thursday position. The salary range is $54,165 to $67,725.

Essential Functions:
Program Management

• Coordinate with community partners (e.g., CVTC, probation & parole, school districts).
• Promote the program through public engagement and representation at community and professional events.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer contributions and in-kind support.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and performance measures.
• Complete and submit weekly living allowance forms and bi-weekly funding hour documentation.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual grant reporting (e.g., AmeriCorps).
• Maintain participant records in grant-related databases.
• Attend all mandatory grant-related trainings.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting Fresh Start program participants.
• Foster collaboration with partner agencies and program stakeholders.

Supervision

• Assist with recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of Fresh Start staff
• Conduct Fresh Start staff annual evaluations
• Develop corrective action plans or administer disciplinary action as needed

Case Management

• Provide case management services for all program participants.
• Onboard new participants and train them on program operations, policies, and expectations, including participation in Volunteer Week.
• In coordination with Fresh Start staff, conduct monthly participant evaluations.
• Support participants in developing and achieving individual goals using the Bridge to Self-Sufficiency framework.
• Assist participants in identifying and overcoming employment barriers.
• Facilitate group activities that promote problem-solving and team-building.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of program curricula.
• Support the tracking and completion of community service hours and required appointments (e.g., probation).
• Provide transportation for participants when needed.
• Accompany participants on field trips, trainings, and tours.
• Supervise participants at construction sites and enforce safety protocols.
• Deliver Western Dairyland safety training to all participants.
• Coordinate monthly participant follow-ups in collaboration with the teacher/transition coordinator.

Qualifications: 

• To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory and must: 
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team 
• Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality 
• Be punctual 
• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations 
• Physical examination and TB test as required by local, state, and federal regulations 

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) required. 
• Prior experience in case management.
• Demonstrated comparable experience managing programs and supervising staff (3-5 years).
• Experience working with low-income populations.
• Familiarity with challenges faced by at-risk young adults.
• Strong understanding of local community resources.
• Experience in group facilitation.

Licenses, Certifications, Authorizations Required :

• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable, insured vehicle.
• Must meet Western Dairyland’s insurability criteria.
• Successful completion of an FBI fingerprint-based background check (AmeriCorps requirement).

We offer a complete benefit package, including:

Vacation, personal leave, holidays, sick leave

• Vacation time accrued at 0.05769 hours per hours worked
• 25 hours of personal time (prorated at start time)
• 10 paid holidays
• Sick leave accrued at 0.05709 hours per hour worked
  • approximately 6 hours of sick leave per month for full-time employees
  • maximum accrued sick leave of 408hours
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability agency paid

401(k) plan with up to a 6% match 

Employees can contribute immediately. After 1 year of employment, the agency will contribute between 3 and 6 percent, dependent on the employee's contribution.

Health Insurance

• 90% of premiums covered for individual coverage
• 75% premiums covered for additional coverage needed
• $3,750 deductible reimbursement for individuals and up to $6,500 reimbursed for family deductibles
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both Health and Dependent Care

Dental Insurance

• Employee Only $38.16 per month
• Employee + Family $112.56 per month

Vision Insurance

• Employee Only $5.43 per month
• Employee + Spouse $12.47 per month
• Employee + Child(ren) $13.82 per month
• Employee + Family $21.10 per month

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program - fully paid
• Basic Life Insurance - fully paid (plus additional group coverage amounts)
• Flexible work schedule with generous accommodations for family, school, and volunteer commitments
• Opportunities for continuing education, conferences, and classes
• Employees have access to our Discount Marketplace
• WDEOC is a qualified employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To apply for this position:

Apply on our website or send a cover letter and resume to HR@wdeoc.org

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.