JOBS PLUS EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

ROCKFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

Job Description

JOBS PLUS EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

SALARY LEVEL: A-10 LEVEL

DEPARTMENT: Human Services Programming UNION: AFSCME

SUPERVISOR: Under the general supervision of the Jobs Plus Program Manager or designee

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will case manage program participants as they enter Jobs Plus Employment programs and provide employment related and job readiness services on an on-going basis. Coordinate, develop and assist with assigned services, records, reports and program development. Work collaboratively with program and community partners to achieve employment outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Conduct assessments with prospective participants to determine program eligibility, identify employment needs and barriers to the achievement of self-sufficiency, and develop training/service plans with residents to meet established needs and provide guidance and assistance with their training and employment goals.
2. Demonstrate strong flexibility and tolerance in dealing with persons from disadvantaged social, economic and educational backgrounds.
3. Maintain professionalism, using tact and courtesy to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.
4. Being knowledgeable of local workforce development needs, provide job opportunities to customers, connecting them directly with employers and other employment related agencies and Identifies available services based on individual need through conducting individual needs assessment, creating self-sufficiency goals and plans; Providing continual job search tasks; and assisting residents in accessing resources
5. Directly engage and connect with community social service agencies, make appropriate resource referrals, provide follow-up services, and track outcomes.
6. Coordinate eligibility, secure required documentation, maintain participant file and conduct file reviews.
7. Run designated software reports to maintain customer contacts, case notes, and related job requirements.
8. Maintains regular contact with residents in Jobs Plus program to counsel on areas of employment, education, service needs, financial management, and other services, per an individual needs assessment.
9. Maintain and keep individual files for Jobs Plus participants; compile requires documentation in completion of employment and self-sufficiency goals.
10. Remain familiar with local, state and federal HUD and RHA policies and procedures.
11. Maintain confidentiality and protect customers Personal Identifying Information (PII) as required by law.
12. Assist with special projects, grants, marketing and training programs.
13. Assist with testing and assessments as needed, utilize available resources, assessments and career exploration tools.
14. Participate in committees and planning and evaluation sessions with other program staff.
15. Work in strong collaboration with partner programs and participate in community training as necessary.
16. Attend professional development training opportunities and participate in conferences and workshops as they relate to job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Associates Degree or completion of 60 college credits and at least 3 years related work experience working with disadvantaged populations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in life skills development coaching within a structured social service program is desired.

Experience in working with private and public industries in the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Some travel between RHA owned sites is necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.

EEO Policy: The Rockford Housing Authority does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on account of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, political or union affiliation nor any type of unlawful discrimination prohibited by applicable State and Federal laws. It is the policy of the Employer to take affirmative action to encourage and foster employment of minorities, women and disabled persons.