Job Title: Career Development Specialist
Reports to: Case Management Supervisor
Organization Overview:
GRIP is an interfaith, multi-cultural coalition of 41-member congregations – including Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs – working together to address critical issues of human dignity and social justice in West Contra Costa County. For over 50 years GRIP has been providing services and shelter to the Contra Costa unhoused population. We currently operate two core programs serving unhoused families and single adults.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Be thoroughly knowledgeable of the mission and operating principles of GRIP.
- Caseload will include both residential shelter and CARE Center clients with the goal of meeting Career Development annual service targets.
- Supervise career development staff, including volunteers and interns, and continuously monitor goals and outcomes to ensure team is on track to meet outlined goals.
- Supervise distribution of funds within the Career Development Services budget; these may include general assistance funds, transportation funds, and other general funds. Review and present a status update on the Career Development Services’ budget with Executive Director on a monthly basis.
- Ensure that career development staff, including volunteers and interns who provide support to clients through the Career Development Services, are thoroughly trained and adhere to best practices, in addition to following program policies (including following program staff hours, distribution of client forms/reports to appropriate services).
- Ensure that career development staff maintain quality internship experiences. The Career Development Specialist will ensure interns receive appropriate training and supportive supervision.
- Conduct performance evaluations for career development staff, including interns (upon school’s request/requirements of internship), and provide staff education and ongoing trainings.
- Ensure all Career Development Services files are accurately completed, file guidelines are maintained, and data is entered in a timely manner. Meet all data entry deadlines.
- Maintain up to date and orderly client files.
- Develop and maintain weekly community meeting curriculum including community workshops/activities, and educational and academic resources for youth and adults.
- Ensure that career development staff proactively communicate with team members and refer clients to both community resources and GRIP supportive services.
- Work cooperatively and coordinate with Case Managers regarding all aspects of the clients’ career development case plan.
- Conduct client assessments for Career Development Services to both Residential and CARE Center clients. This includes conducting pre-employment assessments, eligibility for enrolling in educational pathways, regular career development meetings focusing on weekly action plans, employment preparation and retention, progress reviews and evaluation.
- Will maintain consistent career development meetings, including one-on-one appointments on a weekly basis or as indicated in case plan to provide emotional support and coaching in concert with identifying career development needs. The Career Development Specialist will also be available as needed for any critical case needs.
- Assist with employment/training placements, mock interviews, preparation for interviews, and best practices in the workplace.
- Provide supportive services to clients who have acquired employment (i.e. continued career development meetings, trainings on conflict resolution in the work place, time management, etc.).
- Monitor community presentations throughout the year (topics, presenters, dates); collaborate with Shelter Director to coordinate career development workshops.
Program Development and Community Outreach:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with community service providers.
- Work with Executive Director, Director of Programs, and Case Management Supervisor to develop and implement program initiatives.
- Willingness to participate in public speaking engagements on behalf of GRIP.
- Coordinate employment workshops focusing on interview skills and preparation, hard and soft skills, resume building, and cover letter writing.
- Establish meaningful intern and volunteer opportunities. Will provide regular supervision and on-going training opportunities to interns.
- Assist with coordination of career fairs serving both teens and adult populations.
- Maintain current knowledge and information regarding area labor market trends and employment opportunities.
- Actively establish and maintain partnerships with employers, academic and vocational training institutions and develop a strong network of community resource agencies.
- Coordinate Career Development volunteers’ schedule for ESL tutoring/classes, adult academic tutoring, computer literacy tutoring and courses, resume/cover letter editing and mock interviews; maintain volunteer and client 1:1 meeting schedule and volunteer led workshops.
- With Director of Programs, expand computer literacy program and curriculum, as well as other partnering resources that address barriers to employment (pro-bono and/or volunteer work for assistance in immigration process, language barriers, and medical/mental health barriers to employment).
- Recruit program volunteers and workshop presenters.
- Collaborate with Executive Director, Director of Programs, and Case Management Supervisor in recruiting strategic partnerships.
General:
- Model appropriate behavior through honesty, maturity and respect.
- Attend staff meetings and staff trainings as scheduled.
- Meet weekly with Case Management Supervisor for supervision.
- Establish and maintain healthy boundaries with families and staff.
- Maintain client confidentiality as per agency and state policies.
- Follow agency and state law procedures, including reporting suspected child/elder abuse.
- Provide weekly Career Development client updates to program staff, program managers, and supervisor.
- Maintain case planning, case notes and other pertinent information.
- Uphold the principles and standards of GRIP.
- Enter, maintain, and update Career Development program statistics.
- Works cooperatively with all other departments.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Able to commit to working as part of the team.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends.
- Able to de-escalate a crisis.
- Strong conflict management skills.
- Able to prioritize and manage time appropriately.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience working with families experiencing homelessness (preferred).
- Able to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Able to be flexible with working in a shared office space, as office spaces are limited or as needed for on boarding of other staff, interns, and volunteers.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in social service, Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Child-Development, or related field required. Master’s Degree in social service, Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Child-Development, or related field preferred.
- Bi-Lingual (Spanish) preferred.
- 1-2 years of academic, employment, and/or career counseling experience. 3 years of similar non-profit, program management experience will be considered.
- Supervisory experience will be considered.
- Computer literate: Word, Excel, data management.
Compensation: DOE. Paid vacation, sick time, health, vision and dental benefits.
GRIP provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws
