Career Specialist

TITLE : Career Specialist - OCC CJSC JOB CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO : Director, OCC Community Justice Support Center

JOB SUMMARY : The Career Specialist is responsible for assisting participants with entering, re-entering, improving and maintaining employment. The Career Specialist will conduct instructional groups and psycho-educational classes that will address issues and needs such as : career interest areas, career planning, job availability, resume writing, interviewing skills, CORI issues, interview follow up, dressing to impress, and job retention.

He / she will be familiar with resources available in the surrounding communities, networking within those communities, making referrals to community supports as needed and documenting participant progress at the Center. The use of various curricula, media outlets and service delivery methods are encouraged as the participants range greatly in age, needs and life experience. The Career Specialist will demonstrate the character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.

JOB FUNCTIONS :

Program / Department Responsibility :

• Perform basic assessments of participant work-readiness, career interests, and work history.
• Develop appropriate job opportunities for participants through employer outreach activities and networking activities.
• Assist participants who may be interested in pursuing vocational training programs in lieu of employment.
• Develop participant employment skills using resources on hand or others that are developed by the Career Specialist and identify areas of resource need.
• Work with clinical team to address participant areas of strength or need that will prove to be supports or barriers to participant success.
• Perform case management of the participants at the Center.
• Complete entry of participant information (e.g. intake assessment, 30-day reviews, CBI's) into CIMS (Client Information Management System).
• Ensure accurate upkeep of participant files.
• Facilitate groups and classes as assigned.
• Maintain participant data on number of interviews, job offers, and successful placements in full-time or part-time employment.
• Monitor participant use of computer lab for job search activities.
• Issue and monitor completion of CBIs (Internal Discipline Behavioral Interventions) as needed.
• Assist participants to develop and achieve vocational goals.
• Collection and documentation of urine screens as needed.
• Other duties as assigned or directed by the supervisor(s).

Supervision of Personnel : NONE

Fiscal Responsibility : Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, vouchers and employee expenses as requested.

Facility / Housekeeping Responsibility : Ensure the highest level of cleanliness by cleaning and / or inspecting areas of responsibility.

Interdivisional / Community / Volunteer Responsibility :

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES - LEADER

Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration : Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness : Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth : Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Education / Experience / Physical Requirements :

Education / Experience / Physical Requirements :