Career Services Navigator

This position is hybrid, onsite as needed only. This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). We offer FREE HSA Employee Only medical coverage, which begins date of hire, 401K match, up to 24 PTO days, 2 Floating Holidays, 3 Personal days, and 15 paid holidays .

Do you seek to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly immigrants, refugees, and the under served?

Our holistic approach to human services improves lives now and for generations ahead. by removing barriers and providing comprehensive and culturally responsive services.

Trellus supports immigrant and refugees arriving from over 50 different countries and Chicago area residents and families , all are welcome here.

Mission: Our mission is to empower immigrants, refugees, and all underserved communities to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life.

Vision: To live in a world where all immigrants, refugees and underserved communities have equal access to opportunities and resources and face no barriers to full participation in life. We strive to build a community where diversity is celebrated, and all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Core Values: Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our organizations behavior, decision-making and culture.

• Embrace Community
• Advance Opportunity
• Bolster Learning and Growth
• Honor Diversity
• Foster Collaboration
• Champion People

We are seeking a Career Service Navigator with lived experience as an immigrant or refugee to help support the work we do.

Position Objective:

The Career Service Navigator (CSN) works with Adult Workforce Development clients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are refugees or immigrants. Many of our workforce clients are also English language learners. The Career Service Navigator will ensure that clients receive the most efficient and professional customer service, guidance, and skill-based training to give them the best chance for success. The CSN will serve as a team player by maintaining open communication with staff and assisting other team members when needed.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as professional advocate for clients with all internal and external stakeholders (DHS, employer, etc.) ensuring clients’ career goals are met within the framework of DHS & Trellus guidelines.
• Serve as single point-of-contact throughout clients’ experience at Trellus – from intake through final employment retention.
• Conduct orientation sessions for groups or individuals per grant/agency guidelines.
• Create individualized plans for employment per program/grant requirements.
• Direct clients to and develop additional in-house and external resources for housing, childcare, expungement, clothing, and any additional service needed to resolve barriers.
• Assign clients to grant specific activities as required by grant or funder.
• Schedule and conduct individual client meetings in accordance with program requirements.
• Track client participation and initiate conciliation/reconciliation for clients in non-cooperation according to DHS guidelines.
• Complete weekly and/or monthly reports on client progress and submit change reports per DHS guidelines.
• Ensure that clients are placed in full-time, unsubsidized jobs and collect required documentation in order to ensure billing eligibility and payment from DHS.
• Assist in organizing informational sessions and recruitment events and identify qualified clients.
• Verify new employment information, obtain paystubs, and wage history from employer and/or client, and report both new and updated information to DHS.
• Develop retention plans with newly employed clients, and follow-up throughout the initial employment period to ensure 90-day job retention by providing job retention services including addressing retention issues, job coaching, and counseling.
• Participate actively in weekly team meetings – share required metrics, clients’ successes and challenges and industry-related information. Create and share one strength-based presentation every quarter.

Qualifications (skills, knowledge & abilities):

• Bachelors Degree in social science or related field or equivalent experience
• Excellent communication skills and ability to quickly build rapport with clients and staff
• Self-motivated and accountable with commitment to service
• Highly organized and the able to meet strict deadlines
• Creative approach to assisting clients with multiple barriers to gain employment and keep employment
• Understanding of social media in relation to employment searches and professional networking
• Tech savvy; proficiency with MS Office
• Basic end-user level understanding and experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Ability to serve clients from diverse backgrounds
• In all matters, takes ownership over the work done on behalf of clients and Trellus
• Must have a valid drivers license, reliable vehicle, and current vehicle insurance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual language skills
• Experience in career counseling and workforce development preferred.
• Experience working with low-income adults preferred

Trellus is an equal employment opportunity employer dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all of its employees without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, political or union affiliation, maternity status, parental status, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you bilingual? If yes, what other language can you proficiently speak?
• If you do not have preferred degree, tell us about your relevant experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• proficiency with Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
• working with Salesforce: 1 year (Preferred)
• Career Counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Workforce development: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person