Vocational Specialist

Community for New Direction•Columbus, OH

22h

About The Position

The CND Vocational Specialist develops partnerships with agencies, institutions, companies, and community members to increase access to employment and gainful living wages for youths and adults. The role advances employment opportunities for people living in supportive housing and emergency shelters who are unemployed or underemployed, including individuals with barriers such as substance use disorders or mental health histories, while providing professional support and guidance to prepare them for work. The specialist assesses clients’ skills, interests, and employment goals; develops action plans; connects clients to training and employment resources; and supports job applications, resumes, interview preparation, and job readiness. The role also tracks and reports vocational program outcomes, provides four hours of vocational services per week to the SCH3 program, and performs safety officer duties. Other duties may be assigned by the Supervisor and/or President/CEO.

Requirements

Associate degree or years of experience in human services, teaching, business, or marketing.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Strong relationship-management skills.
Familiarity with the job market, client placement, and job-development methods.
Knowledge of Office 365 applications, especially Excel and Outlook.
Valid Ohio driver’s license and auto insurance.
Favorable criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and employment verification.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and strengthen career-development partnerships between Family Gateway and agencies, institutions, companies, and community members that may hire people facing employment barriers.
Maintain cooperative and professional relationships with employers, community members, and corporate contacts.
Refer clients to employment support agencies offering job training, internships, apprenticeships, or other training programs.
Meet with adults needing employment support weekly or biweekly, assess their needs, and create action plans through individual and/or group sessions.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports documenting vocational program results, such as individuals served, time from unemployment to employment, and household income changes.
Provide clients with skills and support for job applications, resumes, interview attire, and interviews.
Host or connect clients with partners for job fairs and employment-skills training, classes, or seminars.
Identify and reduce barriers to gainful employment.
Assist clients with employment applications, resume writing, and interview practice.
Assess clients’ job skills, interests, and employment intentions.
Maintain communication with employers to keep clients informed about application status.
Use the Job Readiness Curriculum - MASSCAP.
Provide four hours per week of vocational services to the SCH3 program.
Perform safety officer duties, including serving on the health and safety committee, facilitating building safety monitoring, conducting employee drills, and preparing incident reports.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or President/CEO.