Position Summary The Workforce Specialist is responsible for supporting housing clients who have difficulty finding long-term, sustainable employment by building workforce skills and securing jobs. This position supports clients in navigating barriers to employment including, but not limited to, low educational attainment, lack of employment history, involvement in the criminal justice system, mental health or substance abuse challenges, lack of childcare, etc. The Workforce Specialist works with clients in both one-on-one and group settings to build skills and place clients in programs and/or jobs that lead to long-term stability. This position works closely with all Housing Stability clients to create job referral packets which include goal planning, resumes, cover letters, and any other document needed for training or employment. The Workforce Specialist collaborates with the Housing Case Management team and Congreso's Education & Workforce Services leadership team to generate continuing education, workforce training, and employment placement opportunities. This position reports to the Housing Stability Manager. This is a Hybrid position. The Workforce Specialist applies the principles of the organization's signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role. Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency's mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed below.
- Represents Congreso's mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
- Develops a curriculum for job seekers focusing on work readiness such as interviewing skills, resume building, career coaching, personal soft skills, etc.
- Provides one-on-one career counseling and develops a tailored retention plan for clients on a weekly or monthly basis, including securing placements in education and workforce training programs, or entry-level jobs.
- Facilitates job and career readiness workshops as well as group sessions for clients working towards securing employment and/or higher education.
- Collaborates with the program manager to help remove barriers such as transportation, enrollment costs, professional clothing, etc.
- Conducts initial intakes, tracks and documents key indicators to meet program goals and successes and creates and maintains case files/records according to program and funder standards.
- At minimum, conducts monthly client follow-ups to ensure progress and remove additional barriers.
- Maintains requisite knowledge to assist individuals receiving TANF, SSI, SSDI in searching for employment.
- Operates in a compassionate, understanding and culturally sensitive manner to assist individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, victims of domestic violence, as well as those with extensive criminal backgrounds to assist them in their professional development.
- Enters data into the internal database system, at least weekly, to track the number of coaching sessions, workshops, group sessions, and outcomes, such as the number of client interviews, client placements in educational or training programs, and clients who get hired at a rate above minimum wage.
- Works with program leadership to design solutions for programmatic challenges, particularly those directly affecting student progress toward attaining employment outcomes.
- Develops and leverages existing partnerships between Congreso and external partners, including employment partners, skill-trade opportunities, GED and continuing education opportunities, and industry-recognized credentialing opportunities.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)All Staff Competencies
- Basic understanding of Congreso's mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
- Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
- Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
- Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
- Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
- Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
- Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
- Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills a plus.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Experience, Education, and QualificationsMinimum Education: High school diploma or GED/HISET required. Minimum Experience: 2 years' experience in employment and training, marketing, or related business field required. Certification/License: N/A.