Workforce Empowerment Specialist - YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

POSITION TITLE: Workforce Empowerment Specialist STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 3

DEPT: Economic Empowerment PROGRAM: Program SALARY: $50K/yr

REPORTS TO: Director of Workforce SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY: As a Workforce Empowerment Specialist, you will be responsible for providing guidance and direction to Workforce Program Participants as they unleash their purpose and potential in identifying and pursuing sustainable career pathways that provide economic and quality-of-life advancements. The person in this position will work closely with other Empowerment Specialists and Program Managers to provide supportive assistance to participants enrolled in career pathway training programs. The Workforce Empowerment Specialist is a full-time, exempt position, reporting directly to the Director of Workforce.

COLLABORATES WITH: The Workforce Empowerment Specialist manages relationships with the Economic Empowerment staff, program members; other YWCA staff members; employers and community representatives.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaching, Client Development, and Empowerment Plans

Create and implement empowerment plans that incorporate coaching tools in the assessments of motivators, strengths, competencies, job readiness needs, potential challenges, community support, etc. Facilitate ongoing learning to foster the development of skills, behaviors, critical thinking, self-reflection and coach ability in support of the achievement of the empowerment plan goals and objectives. Identify strategic solutions and action plans to fill in the gaps between the plan objectives and current reality. Establish specific, measurable, attainable plan results and a timeline for their achievement. Assess progress, create next steps, and identify/remove obstacles for participants. Connecting clients to internal training programs and Business Engagement Specialist for direct employment placement. Provide assistance with completing documentation and registration. Conduct JRT, handle referrals, case notes, supportive services.

Outreach

Attend program-sponsored and donor-related events such as open houses, monthly tours, tri-quarterly seminar series, meetings, trainings, etc. to expand diversity and numbers of potential clients served, as well as potential employment opportunities for participants. Identify and prioritize job placement targets for clients Strategize with the Manager in identifying innovative recruiting and service delivery activities to support program expansion

Evaluation

Produce funder monthly reports that document all direct service activities and outcomes. Job-start verifications, Retention substantiations and Contractual placements. Complete data entry within 24/48 hours and create and maintain client folders as required by funder, YWCA and audit preparation. Conduct bi-weekly file reviews and weekly data updates to ensure program progress.

Professional Development

Understand the required elements to deliver a state-of-the art, strengths-based coaching model

Engage in continuous learning to enhance coaching skills and awareness of career opportunities and marketplace needs

QUALIFICATIONS: One – three years of experience in providing vocational coaching/case management services. Experience with TANF programs is a plus. Effective verbal and written communication skills along with excellent data entry skills. Attention to detail abilities is a must. Strong relationship-building skills. Keen project planning and organizing skills, with an ability to support people being accountable for results. Initiative driven, with insightful, creative, solutions-oriented problem-solving skills. Adept at giving and receiving developmental feedback, with keen listening abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word is required.

Professional Training Required: NA

EDUCATION REQUIRED: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (human services, vocational counseling, sociology, social services, psychology, etc.) or equivalent training and experience

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: NA

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes offices; members and visitors may visit with children. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping or kneeling. There may be a need to reach, lift or move objects, such as packages, supplies and computers. Normal (or corrected) vision range; ability to see color and to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols are necessary to the work, which may require close viewing. Occasionally may need to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Communication needs include seeing, hearing and speaking. While in the office, there will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Reasonable accommodation will be made for an incumbent to meet the essential responsibilities of the position. Transportation is required; candidates must have the ability to travel to various locations independently.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. This position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.