Workforce Development Specialist

UMOM New Day Centers•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$46,800 - $49,800•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1964, UMOM is Arizona's largest provider of services for families experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to end family homelessness by restoring hope and rebuilding lives. With an annual operating budget of $23 million dollars, UMOM provides shelter, supportive services, and housing programs to families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. UMOM serves over 13,000 unique individuals across all our services annually, including those families receiving support at the Family Housing Hub, Maricopa County's family coordinated entry system. At UMOM we believe that housing + income ends homelessness. The Workforce Development Specialist is responsible for implementing UMOM's employment and job training strategies to assist clients via groups and in 1:1 appointments in obtaining and retaining sustainable income to support ending their experience of homelessness. The WDS will support case managers by providing referrals to the Job Readiness Series and accessing resources. WDS will participate in the facilitation of Job Readiness Workshops and will identify and schedule 1:1 appointment for high acuity clients in attendance with the appropriate Workforce Specialist.

Requirements

High School or GED Diploma, required
Minimum 3 years of experience working with at-risk populations and/or case management required
Computer literacy required, including data entry, web navigation, typing and text editing, and the ability to learn operations in new software systems
Proficiency with Windows operating system, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card or the ability to obtain one
Ability to clear the Central Registry Screening from the Department of Child Safety & Adult Protective Services.
Ability to comply with and pass all required background check and drug screening requirements, including but not limited to pre-employment and random drug screening as required/requested.
Valid AZ Driver's License and a driving record that falls within UMOM's policy
50/100 level of car insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree, strongly preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care preferred
Experience in and passion for workforce development, employment services, and vocational training preferred
Knowledge of non-profit sector; experience working with underserved or disadvantaged populations preferred
Knowledge of the local publicly funded workforce development system is a plus

Responsibilities

Serves as an ambassador of UMOM's workforce development strategy by supporting the regular implementation of employment services by program case managers, including training and supporting case managers to establish a time-sensitive employment/income plan that is integrated with a client's housing plan.
Thoroughly assesses client's unique need while identifying and strategizing around barriers to long-term success.
Assists clients in co-creating an employment plan to be able to achieve sustainable income based on their unique needs and circumstances and regularly meet to discuss and review progress.
Meets regularly and consistently with clients to hold structured, intentional conversations focused on the skill-building necessary to obtain and retain employment.
Facilitates employment readiness workshops such as resume writing, mock interviewing, and financial literacy for UMOM clients.
Attend program case conferences to support case managers in addressing the unique needs of clients experiencing employment-related issues.
Identify high acuity clients in the Job Readiness Workshop Series and schedule a 1:1 appointment for them with their program-specific Workforce Development Program Specialist.
Provides retention services for clients who obtain employment at regular appointed intervals to address potential issues in maintaining employment.
Coordinates and facilitates weekly and bi-monthly hiring events, including prioritizing employers that are the most appropriate fit for UMOM's clients.
Establishes and nurtures relationships with public and private employers to develop direct job placement opportunities for participants.
Documents all clients contact in UMOM's internal database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) within 72 hours.
Creates and maintains training curriculum and instructional material.
Supports program staff in the completion of accurate employment documentation in ETO, addressing discrepancies ongoing.
Other duties as assigned by Leadership and/or Executives.