Workforce Initiative Specialist

Columbus House•New Haven, CT

1d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 to provide services for men and women at least 18 years of age. Our goals quickly broadened from the mere provision of food and shelter and simple survival, to understanding and working toward overcoming the problems which cause people to become homeless. Columbus House, along with its core of loyal supporters, friends, and volunteers, has remained committed to fulfilling its mission: "To serve people experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk by providing life-saving outreach, shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. We advocate for and create affordable housing to end homelessness in our communities." Under the purview of the Employment and Benefits Manager, the Workforce Initiatives Specialist develops and implements workforce development strategies that create pathways to employment and economic stability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This position cultivates employer partnerships, empowers participants to overcome barriers to employment while advancing innovative workforce solutions, and operates the Employment Enrichment Center (EEC). The EEC provides comprehensive employment readiness, career development, and educational opportunities, including resume development, interviewing skills, effective communication, GED preparation, vocational training, skilled trades, and certification programs that support participants in achieving their employment and career goals.

Requirements

Knowledge of employment and workforce development practices, including job readiness, career exploration, resume development, interviewing, job search strategies, workplace communication, job retention, and career advancement.
Ability to engage employers, identify employment opportunities, understand workforce needs, and effectively match participants' skills, interests, and employment goals with available opportunities.
Understanding of barriers to employment that may affect individuals and families experiencing or transitioning from homelessness, including limited work history, justice-system involvement, transportation, education, behavioral health, and other socioeconomic barriers.
Ability to engage, motivate, and support participants using a strengths-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach.
Knowledge of community resources, social services, educational programs, workforce development systems, and other resources that can support employment and economic stability.
Ability to establish and maintain professional, collaborative, and respectful relationships with participants, employers, community partners, service providers, and other stakeholders.
Strong presentation, facilitation, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate programming, and meet established deadlines.
Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, identify opportunities for program growth, and develop innovative workforce solutions responsive to participant and employer needs.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely participant, program, employer, and outcome documentation in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and effectively utilize agency databases, online employment platforms, and other technology used to support workforce development activities.
Knowledge of professional boundaries, confidentiality, crisis intervention, risk assessment, and other practices necessary to safely and effectively serve individuals experiencing homelessness and other barriers to employment.
Valid driver's license with a good driving history.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration, Workforce Development, Public Administration, or a related field

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with employers, educational institutions, training providers, community organizations, and other workforce development partners.
Develop, coordinate, and facilitate workforce development programs including employment readiness workshops, GED preparation, life skills, vocational training, skilled trades, and certification programs, and other group-based learning opportunities through the Employment Enrichment Center
Build and maintain partnerships with employers to identify job opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and hiring initiatives.
Create a portfolio of employers willing to support Columbus House’s employment initiatives.
Coordinate hiring events, career fairs, employer presentations, and workforce workshops.
Recruit, assess, and support participants experiencing homelessness through individualized employment and career planning.
Serve as the primary liaison between employers and program participants to ensure successful job placements and retention.
Collaborate with community organizations, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and government partners to expand employment resources.
Stay informed on workforce trends, labor market needs, and best practices in employment services for vulnerable populations.
Participate in community coalitions and represent the organization at workforce development meetings and events.
Advocate for equitable hiring practices and educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with barriers to employment.
Other related duties as assigned.