Educational/Vocational Specialist

RINCON FAMILY SERVICES•Chicago, IL

12d•$40,000 - $45,000

About The Position

This individual will work as the Educational/Vocational Coordinator and will assist Participant with support needed to complete secondary and post-secondary educational and vocational training. This individual will also assist Participants with understanding their capabilities, identifying job interest, and career path, and identifying, preparing for and obtaining and maintaining employment. The Educational/Vocational Coordinator will act as a liaison between the Participants and their school training program and/or workplace.

Requirements

Good listening, communication and case management skills. Able to tailor communication styles to make the client feel comfortable.
The ability to engage Participants in a clinically and respectful manner.
Initiative and big-picture thinking.
Planning skills.
Basic understanding of legal issues of this population.
Basic understanding of addiction issues of this population.
Basic understanding of mental illness issues of this population.
Understanding of Trauma Inform Care. (Agency will train in trauma informed care)
Understanding of internal and external medical and supportive services.
Cultural competence and sensitivity.
Fast, accurate documentation skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients and groups.
Desire to learn new skills.
Knowledge of community and social service agencies.
Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
Four years of college in psychology, or a related field, or at least 5 years’ experience in Social Services
Assist with writing and implementing a treatment plan.
Knowledge of the usage of computers, and its associated software.
Must pass a pre-employment background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.
Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies
Must be able to speak English

Responsibilities

Work with LifeSet Case Specialists to assist the Participant in identifying their education and/or vocational interests.
Complete A comprehensive vocational/employment assessment for all Participants
Work with the Participant one on one to assess interests while in high school and beyond.
Assist Participant with their educational goals
Assist Participant in maintaining employment
Connect Participant with proper educational and vocational resources and/or training
Works with groups, offers, presentations, and works with the community to ensure that the young person has the opportunity to reach his/her educational and/or vocational goal prior to emancipation.
Schedule school and DCFS staffing and be prepared to provide an update on Participants’ progress as it relates to school and/or work
Assist Participants with other duties as assigned
Assist with maintaining and filing case files
Submit weekly and monthly updates to Case Management team
Assist Participants with appointments and use that as an opportunity to observe needs, support, and other resources
Coach Participants for interviews or arrange for training to assist to develop marketable employment skills
Assist with Financial Aide and other monetary support
Maintaining documentation, progress notes and case summaries

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental & Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan
Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable.
Employee Assistance Program
Professional Development Opportunities
Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits