Workforce Initiative Specialist

Columbus House, Inc; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401 K retirement plan with employer‑m​

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Columbus House, Inc. in New Haven, CT is seeking a Workforce Initiatives Specialist to design and implement workforce development programs for individuals experiencing homelessness.

You will coordinate training, build employer partnerships, and lead social enterprise initiatives to provide meaningful work opportunities. Under the Employment and Benefits Manager, you will collaborate with community partners, recruit participants, and organize job readiness activities while advocating for

Qualifications

• Organizational and time management skills with a deadline orientation.
• Strong written and oral English communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and common desktop apps.
• Knowledge of substance abuse, mental health, and social services networks.
• Familiar with criminal justice barriers and ability to engage clients.
• Good driving record and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate workforce development programs.
• Build partnerships with local employers for opportunities, internships, and hiring initiatives.
• Coordinate hiring events, career fairs, employer presentations, and workforce workshops.
• Recruit, assess, and support participants through individualized employment and career planning.
• Serve as the primary liaison between employers and participants for job placements and retention.
• Develop social enterprise initiatives that create employment opportunities and generate revenue.
• Collaborate with community organizations, educational institutions, and workforce agencies.
• Stay informed on workforce trends and labor market needs.
• Participate in community coalitions and represent the organization at meetings.
• Advocate for equitable hiring practices.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Communication

Microsoft Office

Substance abuse

Mental health

Social services

Criminal justice

Crisis intervention

Motivational interviewing

Client engagement

Driving license

Tools

None

Job description

Columbus House, Inc.

Job Posting: Full Time (32 hours/week), FLSA Non-Exempt, Non-Essential

Workforce Initiatives Specialist

VEVRAA Federal Contractor: Priority Referrals of Protected Veterans Requested

Company Overview & Mission

Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 to provide services for men and women at least 18 years of age. Our goals quickly broadened from the mere provisionof food and shelter and simple survival, to understanding and working toward overcoming the problems which cause people to become homeless.

Columbus House, along with its core of loyal supporters, friends, and volunteers, has remained committed to fulfilling its mission:"To serve people experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk by providing life‑saving outreach, shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. We advocate for and create affordable housing to end homelessness in our communities."

Purpose

Under the purview of the Employment and Benefits Manager, the Workforce Initiatives Specialist develops and implements workforce development strategies that create pathways to employment and economic stability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This position coordinates employment training programs, cultivates employer partnerships, and leads the development of social enterprise initiatives that provide meaningful work experience and sustainable employment opportunities. Working collaboratively with community partners, employers, and internal teams, the Workforce Initiatives Specialist empowers participants to overcome barriers to employment while advancing innovative workforce solutions.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate workforce development programs, including job readiness, life skills, financial literacy, and vocational training.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local employers to identify job opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and hiring initiatives.
• Coordinate hiring events, career fairs, employer presentations, and workforce workshops.
• Recruit, assess, and support participants experiencing homelessness through individualized employment and career planning.
• Serve as the primary liaison between employers and program participants to ensure successful job placements and retention.
• Develop and implement social enterprise initiatives that create transitional and permanent employment opportunities while generating revenue to support the organization's mission.
• Collaborate with community organizations, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and government partners to expand employment resources.
• Stay informed on workforce trends, labor market needs, and best practices in employment services for vulnerable populations.
• Participate in community coalitions and represent the organization at workforce development meetings and events.
• Advocate for equitable hiring practices and educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with barriers to employment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a deadline-oriented mindset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills employing the English language.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other common desktop and online applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively navigate substance abuse, mental health, and social services networks.
• Familiar with criminal justice barriers and able to engage, motivate, and support the individuals serviced.
• Familiar with mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues and group dynamics
• Basic knowledge of all aspects of the delivery of person‑centered services.
• Able to meet all documentation requirements within set timeframes.
• Knowledgeable of crisis intervention, boundaries, confidentiality, universal precautions, risk assessment, and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to create professional and respectful relationships with clients, outside providers, employers, and the community.
• Empathetic and compassionate, with individuals that have experienced homelessness and factors that lead to homelessness.
• Valid drivers’ license with a good driving history

Supervised by:

Employment and Benefits Manager

Schedule:

Tuesday- Friday 8am-4pm or 8:30am- 4:30am

Salary range:

$25.50-$27.50

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision benefits are offered along with other additional voluntary coverages with full time employment
• 401 K retirement plan with employer matching contribution
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities Encouraged to Apply

PI286226542