Employment and Vocational Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Team: Community Reentry Services Program

Reports to: Community Reintegration Services Program Director

Pay Rate: Established in offer letter

Service Area: Newcastle and Kent Counties

Travel Required: Regular, throughout DE

Position Type: Full-time, exempt

Role and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended as examples of the types of work that may be performed by the Employment and Vocational Specialist but are not all necessarily performed and do not include all specific functions and responsibilities that the Employment and Vocational Specialist may be expected to perform.

  • Provide in partnership with re-entry direct service staff, in-depth employment/vocational services to individual clients who have recently exited prison and are in the community on probation.
  • Facilitate workforce development and operate employment lab at assigned Probation & Parole locations.
  • Develop and conduct job readiness trainings/workshops to further assist with the vocational goals of served clients, and perform one on one meetings to help individuals determine their career options, evaluate skills, and work history.
  • Develop and maintain a network of employers, employment agencies, job training programs, community partners, state programs, and other placement resources; assist with referral and placement as needed.
  • Attend weekly case conference team meetings and provided 1:1 vocational case consultation to youth reentry staff.
  • Participate in daily meetings/community groups as defined by the program.
  • Assess client’s employment history, education, and skillsets to connect them with employment opportunities.
  • Assist clients 1:1 or in group setting with resume development, employment readiness, and job seeking.
  • Develop rapport and connect clients to employment opportunities through presence on-site as well as through virtual engagement by phone/text/video meetings.
  • Maintain individual progress notes in collaboration with clients’ support team.
  • Educate and connect clients and employers to the Federal Bonding Program.
  • Educate potential employment partners about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
  • Create monthly job lead newsletter for community distribution.
  • Serve as a program representative as needed at community meetings.
  • Assess and report on client progress and participation at regular intervals.
  • Represent DCJ and its programs at community meetings reporting back regularly to the CRSP Program Director.
  • Demonstrate a professional demeanor in all interactions with clients, coworkers, and the community.
  • Maintain an organized database of all employers and housing partners; document all such contacts.
  • Track and update client information using the agency’s database program.
  • Generate monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports to Dept. of Corrections, and DCJ Management.
  • Travel to multiple locations, including Cherry Lane, Hare’s Corner, And Dover Probation Offices.
  • Accept and perform other work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS and Education Requirements

  • Significant knowledge and experience related to justice-involved people, the social forces and systems impacting them, and the resources available to them (specifically workforce development programs, adult education, vocational training, and related programs) required. Experience in human services, social work, or a related field is also required. Familiarity with motivational interviewing, strengths-based case management, and/or Cognitive Behavioral practices is also preferred.
  • Background checks and clearances required as per program contract(s).
  • Developed computer skills, including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office, as well as Zoom/Skype and other distance meeting resources, experience with Excel, PowerPoint and digital marketing required.
  • Ability to multitask and work both independently and with supervision, on-site and remotely.
  • Embrace an understanding of justice involvement that acknowledges the impact of institutional racism and the systemic oppression of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ people; must share the belief that people can change in positive ways.
  • Must embrace teamwork, have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter with a positive attitude, and with a good sense of humor.
  • Strong team building, organizing, writing, and other communication skills are essential.

Apply

To apply – submit your cover letter and resume in the appropriate boxes below. If you are experiencing difficulty submitting your cover letter and resume, or have questions about the process, please contact us at Apply@dcjustice.org

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