Instructor/Advocate (FT)

Rockford Rescue Mission; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockford Rescue Mission in Rockford, Illinois seeks a dedicated individual to provide case management and support in various programs targeting homeless services and spiritual development. Candidates should have at least an associate's degree and a strong understanding of social work or education. Responsibilities include assessing guests’ needs, offering career guidance, and ensuring adherence to the Mission’s values. The role necessitates strong communication skills and compassion for the underprivileged.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate’s degree is required; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A solid understanding of and experience in case management, social work, or education is strongly preferred.
• Must be organized with strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough intakes to assess the current needs of new shelter guests.
• Create and present concepts on personal and career development.
• Provide 1:1 assistance to residents, guests, and community members.

Skills

Case management

Interpersonal communication

Flexibility

Organizational skills

Computer proficiency

Education

Associate's degree or relevant experience

Job description

Description

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct thorough intakes to assess the current needs of new shelter guests.
• Create and present concepts across a variety of topics themed on personal and career development.
• Regularly collaborate with department staff and attend trainings to provide services using a trauma-informed point of view.
• Follow appropriate recordkeeping procedures to document needs and barriers.
• Within the first 14 days, become certified to serve as a proctor in the Pearson VUE testing center.
• Provide 1:1 assistance to residents, guests, and community members.
• Be vigilant in reporting and documenting any inappropriate behaviors.
• Serve in a manner which upholds the Mission’s standards of professionalism and Christ-centered ministry.
• Monitor each guest’s progress and goals. Provide direction to encourage guests to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation on case management services, incident reports, and outcomes.
• Stay in compliance in both internal and external policies and procedures.
• Serve as substitute instructor, proctor, or advocate for other classes when needed.
• Collaborate with staff to adapt and improve programs and instructional content.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

HOMELESS SERVICES

• Maintain a working knowledge of community services to provide appropriate referrals to other agencies as needed.
• Support partnerships with community organizations and businesses to introduce guests to career pathways, educational opportunities, and other support services.
• Meet with guests to outline program guidelines and expectations.
• Collaborate with other staff to identify guests who may benefit from transitioning into the Life Recovery program.
• Regularly review guests’ personal and program goals to support their progress and long-term success.
• Design, implement, and evaluate classroom content related to career development, vocational training, and educational opportunities.
• Serve as a lifelong learner.

LIFE RECOVERY SERVICES

• Oversee Life Recovery residents scheduled time in the Connection Center.
• Offer ideas and curriculum to increase participation and motivation of residents.
• Engage with residents to develop relationships which foster spiritual growth and learning.
• Collaborate with Life Recovery staff to implement new strategies and learning opportunities.
• Monitor resident progress and assist in long-term career planning to promote success beyond program completion.
• Assist residents in career-readiness and with job searching after completing the Life Recovery program.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

• Maintain compliance as a proctor in the Pearson VUE Testing Center according to policies and procedures.
• Answer phones, make calls, correspond by email, and provide professional interactions.
• Assist walk-ins with ordering identification documents, cell phones, and other essential items.
• Represent the Mission in a positive, professional manner at community functions, off-site events, and public engagements.
• Ensure all public-facing areas and service spaces are consistently clean, organized, and welcoming.

Requirements

SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
• Provide spiritual encouragement to staff, volunteers, guests, and residents.
• Invest in the spiritual development of staff, guests, residents, and donors. Pray for and with staff, volunteers, guests, residents, and donors.
• Ensure actions and policies reflect the Christian values and purpose of the Mission.
• Handle relational conflicts according to the Staff Covenant of Romans 12:18 and Matthew 18:15-19.
• Memorize monthly Scriptures, Mission Statement, and Mission Core Values.
• Participate in corporate prayer and Scripture reading, staff chapel services, and all spiritual gatherings.
• Support and attend annual mandatory Evangelism In-Service training to grow in knowledge of leading others to faith in Christ.
• Participate in annual spiritual growth training through organization-selected curriculum.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of an associate’s degree is required; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A solid understanding of and experience in case management, social work, or education is strongly preferred.
• Must be organized, possess strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills as well as the ability to be flexible is necessary for success in the role.
• Computer proficiency required.
• Reliable transportation required; meetings are occasionally off-site.
• Must have a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Must be active in a local Christian church.
• Must demonstrate compassion toward the poor, needy, and homeless.
• Must demonstrate character traits of integrity, personality responsibility, and grace toward others.
• Must be teachable and function as a team player.