Workforce Development (WFD) Logistics Instructor

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:  

The Workforce Development (WFD) Logistics Instructor has oversight, in partnership with the Chief Workforce Development Officer, for all educational efforts associated with the RISE (Readying Individuals for Success & Employment) Logistics training program. The RISE Logistics program is designed for people with high barriers to employment in order to gain critical skills that will enable them to obtain and retain gainful employment in the growing regional food industry. As such, the Logistics Instructor is teaching students from often challenging backgrounds and helping them navigate those life challenges to ensure future job success. This role includes ongoing refinement of curriculum as well as classroom and warehouse instruction, and life skills education. This role is responsible for creating a positive and safe learning environment in the classroom and warehouse while driving student success.

RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Teaches curriculum in classroom setting: warehousing skills, life skills, resume writing/interviewing & job search skills, mental health awareness & coping skills
• Coordinates internal & external training partners including OSHA 10-hour General Industry training, financial literacy, nutrition education, computer literacy, ServSafe Food Handlers certification, forklift training (classroom & hands-on) 
• Creates and communicates detailed cohort schedule to all stakeholders utilizing Excel and Outlook calendars
• Acts as a liaison between trainees and warehouse staff who assist with practical experience in order to improve communication, understanding, resolve conflict, and provide direction
• Manages the student recruitment process
• Manages trainee application and intake process including background checks and drug screens
• Partners with the Chief Workforce Development Officer and WFD Support Coordinator to track attendance and student success measures, assist students with class- and job-related issues, and connect students to additional wrap-around services 
• Collaborates with employer partners to ensure program graduates are successful in employment and works with employers on any necessary corrective action/solution
• Partners with the Chief Workforce Development Officer to develop, monitor, track, report and enhance all aspects of trainee application, orientation, curriculum, job skills training progress, and the obtainment of employment (as needed) 
• Ensures that all local, state, and federal safety standards are in compliance
• Assists with grant reporting (as needed)
• Assist with any and all mission work as needed and requested with some or no prior notice including, but not limited to: serving as a truck spotter, helping with FARM Market/Community Garden/Freight Farms/on and off-site food distributions, preparation of meals and serving home-delivered meals; and 
• Other duties as assigned or needed

• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with diverse at-risk populations either in case management, social work, or workforce training
• Logistics or warehousing experience preferred 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, potentially in operations, education or a related field  
• Strong communicator providing thoughtful follow-up and timely responses to all stakeholders 
• Solid organization skills and attention to detail
• Independent problem-solving skills      
• Willingness to become a certified instructor with the logistics course we use (MSSC CLT)
• Willingness to become forklift certified and also a certified forklift trainer
• Works independently and as a contributing team member 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to create and maintain a trainee focused environment that recognizes the strengths and abilities of each trainee
• Ability to relate to and work with a diverse trainee population
• Ability to have empathy for those that we serve while ensuring that they make progress towards self-sufficiency
• Ability to work non-traditional hours infrequently; the position will typically be Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm
• MUST have a valid NYS Driver’s License/be capable of lifting 35 lbs.