Engagement Specialist

Description

Position Title
Engagement Specialist
Department
Jobs Plus
Site/Location
201 Saint Ann’s Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454
FLSA-Classification
Non-Exempt
Salary
$42k

Reports To
Assistant Director
Date
Immediate
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/ Objective
East Side House Settlement (ESH) is a community resource in the South Bronx. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create an economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families and the communities. ESH’s Workforce Development programs align with our mission by providing high quality youth and adult programs and services within community centers.
The Workforce Development Divisions consist of Jobs Plus (JP), Post-Secondary Pathways Program (PSP), Home Delivered Meals (HDM), Harvest to Haven and all workforce related Programming at ESH. Featuring training, education, career advancement services, financial empowerment services and community building programming, employment exploration and placement.
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, the Engagement Specialist will strengthen social ties and build stronger relationships amongst the Jobs Plus program and community residents. These services will assist members with completing membership enrollment and orientation, and follow-up and outreach to residents to support career advancement.
A successful candidate will display the following characteristics:
• Commitment to mission and goals of East Side House Settlement and Jobs-Plus.
• Knowledge and experience in providing career advising services.
• Ability to work cooperatively with peers, strong communication skills.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Engagement approach and counseling techniques that meet needs of diverse population.
• Openness and willingness to work in innovative program, taking a new approach to engagement and retention services.
• Basic computer competencies in Microsoft Word, Excel, and virtual meeting platforms
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, the Engagement Specialist will:
• Assist members with the completion of membership application and enrollment into the Jobs Plus program; enter initial case note into funder database and make necessary referral for member to relevant service areas for additional support and assistance.
• Facilitate new member orientation presentations.
• Create and sustain a roster of members requiring follow-up to update Career Plan & Mental Health PHQ9 forms; Schedule members for Career Plan and PHQ9 updates - 6 months follow-up and thereafter, when necessary
• Collect, maintain, and upload all documentation related to career pathway goals for entry into funder database.
• Partner with Community Coaches to ensure 100% of membership folders are completed via outreach when residents have not completed the required paperwork; Follow-up with members who have missed their appointments to ensure CP & PHQ9 are updated and in Salesforce.
• Assist members with TABE testing when applicable, and Tool Kit Assessments (My Next Move, Career Cluster Interest Survey and Coding, Keyboard Typing and Math Aptitude Test) when needed or requested by the member.
• Re-engagement of members in 6-12 months without finding a job; Outreach and re-engagement with members who have had no contact with Jobs Plus for 30-60 days.
• Initiate and participate in case conferencing management to assist members achieve career and education goals.
• Work closely with Career Coach and Financial Counselor via creation of rosters to support follow up, calls, mailing and emailing; Work as part of an interdisciplinary team with Wellness Coordinator, Career Development Specialist, Education Specialist and Financial Counselor to achieve overall program objectives.
• Work in partnership with existing neighborhood associations such as the Tenants Association
• Do outreach in informal gathering places within NYCHA housing developments, such as sitting areas and playgrounds.
• Participate in relevant departmental meetings, trainings, case conferences, workshops and events; Coordinate or assist in planning for events such as community meetings, block parties, health fairs and local business fairs meant to increase membership enrollment.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with

Expected Work Schedule
This role is a full-time position expected to generally work Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rotation of first Saturday of every month (10-3PM). Workdays/hours subject to change based on ESH's needs.
Required Clearances
COVID Vaccine – As a recipient of Federal, State, and local funds, all staff are expected to be fully vaccinated or able to obtain vaccination before their start date.
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Work Environment
Business casual. This job operates in a school office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Travel
Minimal travel between locations expected for this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job's essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This role is generally a sedentary role; however, some sorting/filing is required. Requirements include the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations that allow a candidate to meet the requirements of the position will be considered.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
AAP/EEO Statement
ESH encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women to apply. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Qualifications

Education / Experience:
• High school diploma or GED, AA or bachelor’s degree in human service-related field a plus.
• Excellent verbal communication skills. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required. Must be a “people person.”
• Experience with grassroots information dissemination strategies. Previous outreach experience in urban communities helpful.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, institutions and people from the overall Mott Haven neighborhood highly preferred.
• Must be self-directed and organized.
• Basic computer skills necessary.
Competencies
• Problem Solving/ Analysis
• Communication Proficiency
• Customer Service
• Public/Community Relations
• Teamwork Orientation