Organizational Development Specialist jobs in Davenport, IA

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment.    

General Summary: 

The Employer Development Specialist/Training Navigator (EDS/TN), funded through the Department of Labor, is a multi-faceted position consisting of developing long-term employer relationships and enrolling program participants into academic and credential training programs, helping to identify financial aid, grants, and tuition resources to assist with payment. The position will also assist with transportation as needed to training programs or other critical appointments. 

The EDS portion of the position will develop relationships within relevant sectors and industries, resulting in employment & career path opportunities for Safer's I-Matter clients. The EDS will develop relationships with associations, unions, key training providers, and employers offering job placements at all levels. The EDS will share their career path knowledge and expertise with participants looking to develop their own realizable career path plans. The EDS will facilitate Safer Skills Training (SST) to prepare the participant for the workplace as well as help develop a professional resume, cover letter and acknowledgement note. The EDS will also provide mock interview experience to promote participant confidence with the interview process. 

The TN portion of the position will accompany participants to the education or training institute to arrange financial aid and helps navigate the documentation and information needed to make application. The position works closely with American Job Centers and other workforce development partners to identify financial resources. He/she assists in reviewing the career assessment and exploring possible career paths that would be a good fit for the respective candidate’s skills and aptitude. 

Performance Results Description

The Position is performed correctly when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence-Based Innovation.

Stakeholder Interface and Service

          For the Employer Development Specialist portion of the position:

• Identify employer partners and implement recruitment efforts to introduce Safer Foundation QC and the benefits of partnering with the organization for hiring needs. 
• Ensure successful employer engagement is maintained as needed for job development, client placement, client retention, and supportive service needs. 
• Strong partnerships cultivated in sectors relevant to identified pathways for specific grant programs and employers who offer living wage employment opportunities. 
• Provide follow-up with employers and develop intervention plans when issues or problems arise with the client or at the worksite.
• Assist with providing informational orientations targeting specific occupations to eligible candidates.
• Facilitate Safer Skills Training (SST), help develop an employment portfolio and conduct mock interviews to help strengthen participant interview skills. 
• For the Training Navigator portion of the position:
• Review results of career assessments with participants and explore potential career paths  
• Arrange tours or linkage with career professionals to pique interest and expose participants to a variety of career pathways  
• Accompany participant to meet with academic or training sites to arrange for financial aid or other tuition assistance. 
• Provide transportation to participants as needed to apply for financial aid or any other career related activities. 

Relevant for both positions:

• Attend Safer internal meetings as requested as well as participating in assigned committees or task groups. 
• Assist other team members as required; create excellent professional relationships via collaboration with all internal QC programs and teams.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Conduct recruitment outreach with employers, workforce partners, and the public to assist in client enrollment, training, and career placement.

• Post program information on social media, hang flyers and deliver leaflets to high traffic areas, including grocery stores, barbershops, churches, etc. 
• Attend community meetings representing Safer and respective programs to network, collaborate on community-wide issues, and participate in training opportunities.

Tracking, Documenting, and Reporting

• Create and maintain resource guide providing up to date information on financial aid opportunities available for education and training. Track financial resources secured for each participant and note in case notes and client file.  
• Enter data accurately and timely into Salesforce system, tracking client progress through case notes or activities within 48 hours of engagement. 
• Contractual benchmarks are met or exceeded and adhere to all Safer standards, including productivity and outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of financial aid resources available to those seeking education and training opportunities. 
• Knowledge of workforce development activities; knowledge of the sector and employment opportunities relevant to Safer clients.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Ability to persuade and present information to employers, participants (SST) and other Safer constituents in small and large group settings.  
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the learning needs and employment barriers faced by justice impacted individuals.
•  Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) applications.
• Valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, and valid insurance required for job-related travel.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Two years successful experience in developing relationships with employers; excellent sales and presentation skills. Prior sales experience a plus. 
• Experience in building partnerships and reciprocal relationships with stakeholders, customers, and community organizations. 
• Backgrounds similar to the population served are especially desirable. 

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org

No Phone Calls Please