Lead Career Coach (Reentry) - SER Metro-Detroit

JOB TITLE: Lead Career Coach

DIVISION: Adult Services

DEPARTMENT: Reentry Career Services (DOL Pathways Home, IV)

LOCATION: Samaritan Center

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt/Salary

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Regular

APPROVED DATE: 9/19/2024

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the supervision of career coaching activities and related supportive services for participants enrolled in Career and Training Services for Justice Involved Residents (JIR) through Detroit At Work Career Centers in partnership with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adheres to the mission of the SERCO, Inc.
2. Assists the Reentry Program Manager to interview, hire and train Career Services staff.
3. In the Manager’s absence, supervises reentry staff and addresses all participant concerns.
4. Provides technical support in all matters related to jobseeker assessment, eligibility, supportive services, and strategies that address reentry jobseeker’s barriers to employment.
5. Assures that the implementation of service plans to meet reentry jobseeker needs are carried out effectively, and according to policies and regulations.
6. Identifies problem areas and service gaps and recommends plans of action.
7. Assists in ensuring the program goals and objectives are met as specified by funding sources and the Corporation. Reports to supervisor on program progress and matters of concern.
8. Meets with staff on a regular basis to discuss program participant progress, concerns or other related issues.
9. Ensures that individual case files for each participant enrolled in Center programs meet program eligibility requirements, are kept up to date, and accurately recorded. Ensures that reentry jobseeker records are kept electronically and in hard copy in a secured location.
10. Conducts periodic reviews of case files, notes, individual service strategies and home and employer site visits, as needed.
11. Responsible for preparing files for audit and following auditor recommendations, if provided.
12. Makes recommendations to management on policy and procedure changes.
13. Compiles program statistics and prepares related performance and progress reports for management.
14. Contributes to the team effort by performing other duties as assigned.
15. Participates in agency, funder, city, and regional-hosted meetings and trainings for staff serving justice involved individuals. Presentations may be required on occasion.
16. Coordinates with the Reentry Employment Specialist to screen and prepare candidates for subsidized (Temporary Work Experience) and unsubsidized job opportunities.
17. Responsible for making frequent visits to MDOC facilities, Lawton Parole Office and Detroit Reentry Center, along with training providers’ sites, and employer location.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Two or three years of experience in Career Coaching and relevant coordination or supervisory experience.

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
2. Experience in social work, counseling, career planning, placement, or related field.

1. Familiarity with Human Centered Design principles, including Motivational Interviewing.

1. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate and build professional relationships with employers and program participants.

1. Ability to communicate effectively with reentry jobseekers, vendors, administration and other employees verbally and in writing.

1. Mental ability to handle pressures related to a highly-visible project while dealing with multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of need.

1. Knowledge of community resources; of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods; and of program policies and procedures.

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access)
2. Familiarity with Salesforce-like data platforms and the state’s OSMIS system to manage federally funded programs.

1. Knowledge of or ability to learn and use MIS and other reporting systems.

1. Computer skills necessary to maintain required documentation and to access information on the Internet.

1. Bilingual language skills are a bonus, but not required.

1. Valid Michigan Driver’s License. Candidate must have a reliable means of transportation to travel to and from employer locations, MDOC correctional facilities (Lawton Parole Office and Detroit Reentry Center), and Detroit at Work Career Centers.
2. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including occasional community outreach events.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to pass a LEIN security clearance granting access to MDOC correctional facilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, and have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard, and other office equipment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. -This job operates in a normal school environment with a noise level, which is at times, moderately loud with little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust and the like. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a person so classified. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.