Employment Specialist

DuPagePads; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization dedicated to serving the homeless community is seeking an Employment Coordinator to prepare program participants for employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing job opportunities, facilitating job readiness training, and building relationships with community employers. This full-time position offers competitive pay and a robust benefits package.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

SIMPLE IRA retirement plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience with job development or employment readiness.
• Sales experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Establish career goals in collaboration with participants.
• Provide employment workshops and training for job readiness.
• Network with businesses to secure job opportunities.

Skills

Engagement

Communication

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Volunteer Management

Computer Literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Services or related field

Job description

Summary: This position is responsible for preparing program participants to seek, obtain, and retain employment. This position is also responsible for networking with area businesses and industries to identify appropriate job opportunities, job development and placement strategies for individuals who are homeless; facilitating curricula to provide ongoing support services; and serving as a liaison between the program and the job site.

Reports to: Director of Education & Employment Solutions

Supervises: Employment Resource Area Volunteers

Responsibilities: (to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Operates within the DuPagePads Core Values, which supports providing care in accordance with the Trauma Informed Policy and Practices of the Agency.
• Assist with the screening, application, and assessment process for prospective workforce participants; ensuring the participants are fully committed to invest the time and apply the proper priority to program participation.
• Establish career goals in collaboration with participants and their respective case manager.
• Provide and facilitate employment workshops and training for job readiness and job retention.
• Provide accessibility and linkages to community based education and training programs courses
• Network with area business and associations to identify and advocate for appropriate job opportunities for program participants.
• Develop partnerships with businesses, industries, government and employment agencies to secure appropriate employment opportunities.
• Cultivate strong relationships with employers and program participants, identifying specific needs and skills required by specific employers and matching to proven talents, abilities, goals and experience of program participants.
• Motivate and provide on-going support to program participants to help manage and retain employment.
• Develop, maintain, and provide knowledge on current tax and work incentives for both employers and program participants.
• Advocate for increased community education, relationships, and solutions to benefit our client population.
• Prepare and maintain accurate files and reports.
• Assist in interviewing, training and managing volunteers.
• Develop, update and maintain an Employment Resource area.
• Participate in weekly supervision meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Must occasionally drive participants to employment opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to develop effective relationships with area employers.
• Excellent engagement skills
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to train and manage volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and work as part of a team.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel, database capabilities and online communication.
• Knowledge of public policies and best practices regarding job creation and employment preparation and retention for hard-to-employ populations.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Services or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience with job development or employment readiness.
• Sales experience a plus.
  
  
  

Other:

• Flexible hours may be required.
• Provide own transportation.
• Classification Status: Full-time Non-exempt
• Pay range from: $23.00/hour - $24.00/hour commensurate with experience
  
  
  

We offer a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, short term and long term disability, life insurance, generous Paid Time Off, and SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please visit dupagepads.org/about/employment-opportunities-dupagepads/ and click the job title to apply online.