Vocational Specialist

Community for New Direction•Columbus, OH

23h

About The Position

The CND Vocational Specialist develops partnerships with agencies, institutions, companies, and community members to increase access to gainful employment and living wages for youths and adults. The role builds employment opportunities for adults living in supportive housing and emergency shelters who are unemployed or underemployed, including people facing barriers such as substance use disorders or mental health histories. The specialist also provides professional guidance and practical employment support to help clients prepare for and obtain work. The position includes assessing clients’ skills, interests, and employment goals; creating action plans; connecting clients with training and employment resources; and supporting job applications, resumes, interview preparation, and job-readiness skills. The specialist tracks and reports program results and provides four hours of vocational services each week to the SCH3 program. The role also performs safety officer duties, including participation on the health and safety committee, building safety monitoring, employee drills, and incident reports.

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 methods of job development.
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 enhance career development partnerships between Family Gateway and agencies, institutions, companies, and community members, including employers willing to hire people with 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 who need employment support weekly or biweekly, assess their needs, and create action plans through group and/or individual sessions.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports documenting vocational program results, including individuals served, time from unemployment to employment, and household income increases.
Provide clients with skills and support for job applications, resumes, interview attire, and interviews.
Host job fairs or connect clients with partners offering job fairs, employment-skills training, classes, or seminars.
Identify and reduce barriers to gainful employment.
Assist clients with employment application preparation, resume writing, and interview practice.
Assess clients’ job skills, interests, and employment intentions.
Communicate 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, monitoring building safety, conducting employee drills, and preparing incident reports.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or President/CEO.