Workforce Specialist

 POSITION SUMMARY: 

Successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by the Catholic Social Teachings by providing wrap-around case management, career coaching and financial education to individuals and families in need through the St. Rita program. This position will be a collaborative member of the Workforce team whose purpose is to strengthen individuals and families through a holistic approach to education and employment. The major components of this role include providing comprehensive employment and financial coaching, intensive case management and facilitation of our workforce suite of services including job readiness and soft skills classes. This position will also serve referrals from Lawrence, KS. Travel between some locations required. CCNEK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Serve Lawrence by recruiting and receiving referrals for Workforce participants from both internal programs and external partners, assessing eligibility and compatibility with programming
• Assess participant needs and provide consultation, support, direct assistance, information and make appropriate referrals to internal and external resources
• Develop plan for each employable adult that identifies strengths, skills and barriers and identify steps to overcome barriers for both educational and employment goals
• Participate in highly collaborative, client-driven relationship in which choices and consequences are identified and self-sufficiency plans are developed and monitored on a frequent basis through weekly contact with clients, including occasional home visits 
• Develop and maintain relationships with educational institutions, employers and relevant community partners and resources
• Prepare and deliver presentations and information sessions representing the St. Rita program and agency to promote programming and educate partners, potential participants and other stakeholders
• Coordinate and facilitate job readiness & work ethics classes and Job Seeker Series workshops using established curriculum
• Keep detailed records, track data and report all activities in a timely manner for internal and grant reporting and program monitoring and evaluation purposes
• Train, educate and coordinate staff, volunteers and interns in Workforce-related policies, procedures and practices
• Other duties as assigned

  MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

•  Demonstrate a passion for the mission of Catholic Charities
•  Must be willing to live by the agency’s values, where we are required to show love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control and joy
•  Employees of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas are a visible representation of the Archdiocesan Church and as such will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching, or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration, or writing including the use of social media or other digital technologies
•  Must complete VIRTUS training, background screening, drug testing, and any ongoing trainings as required
•  Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience in social work, workforce development, human services, or comparable experience required
•  Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and respect people from a variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds required
•  Experience in providing case management services and managing own caseload and the ability to maintain appropriate social work ethics required
•  Must have competent oral and written English skills
•  Must be reliable, punctual, professional, and able to work independently, follow instructions and handle emergency situations
•  Must have a high level of organizational skills, pay close attention to detail and experience managing data in programs such as Microsoft Excel or Access, or Google Docs
•  Strong computer skills and knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs
•  Ability to interact effectively with outside agencies and advocate on behalf of clients in informal and formal settings
•  Must have a valid driver’s license and a verified safe driving record as well as reliable means of transportation for local travel to complete client services and regional travel to other CCNEK sites

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and standing, bending and moving
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at times
• The ability to complete assignments in all types of weather and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in homes of those we serve, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases
• Must have good mobility to make visits to a variety of home environments that may include walking on rough terrain and climbing steep stairs