Vocational Specialist

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

4d•$32 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director, Workforce Development, the Vocational Instructor will work with the Employment Services team to deliver digital skills and customer service/retail training to formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into the community, supporting reentry, employment, and personal empowerment. The ideal candidate is a compassionate educator and facilitator dedicated to helping individuals build essential digital and customer service skills for reintegration into a digital society that will support them being successful in the workplace.

Requirements

Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Education or a related field or other life/professional experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree preferred.
A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in teaching, training, or working in correctional or reentry programs; digital literacy or digital equity experience is strongly preferred.
Ability to break down technical jargon into easy-to-understand terms for the non-technical person.
Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with a diverse range of participants and correctional facility staff.
Skilled communicator who can liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, video conferencing applications and digital safety best practices.
Ability to apply skills learned from prior work experience, or formal academic training in a related subject area, to the day-to-day project activities.
Demonstrated success in being participant-centered, self-motivated with excellent relationship skills.
Ability to work well with personnel, with a patient and flexible approach to work.
Ability to work independently and on a team.
Ability to secure volunteer services clearance.
Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaboratively work with team and management to implement innovative and engaging interdisciplinary, interactive, and experiential learning activities in the workshops, including job readiness skills and life skills related to the development and enhancement of pre-employment competencies.
Facilitate digital skills and customer service/retail training in-person and online.
Develop and update training materials such as curricula, handouts, presentations, etc.
Participate in collaborative meetings with Employment Services and Digital Equity teams to assess programming effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements.
Monitor, report, and document participants’ attendance, progress towards goals, and overall class performance in the case management database system.
Conduct research and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in customer service, retail, digital equity and technology education.
Attend networking events and training workshops to remain informed.
Model safe and positive workplace behavior and work readiness skills (teamwork, conflict resolution, positive attitude, timeliness, etc.).
Utilize trauma-informed practices to support participants; establish constructive relationships with participants as a positive role model.
Participate in regular, ongoing professional development opportunities including trainings, and receive ongoing coaching and feedback.
Engage in regular participant case conferences and planning meetings with staff.
Collaborate with internal departments as needed.
Attend and participate in all necessary meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Engage in his/her/their own ongoing professional development.
Perform other related duties as needed.