Economic Empowerment Specialist-MMVC

Economic Empowerment Specialist

Department/Program:Marj & Mak Vocational Center

Reports To:Program Manager, MMVV

Location:Flagship

FLSA Status:Exempt

EEO Classification:Professionals

Supervisor:No

Job Function: Essential Onsite

Revision Date:December 2024

Overview

The Economic Empowerment Specialist at N Street Village plays a key role in supporting unhoused women on their path to employment and financial stability. This position focuses on assessing individual needs, providing job readiness guidance, and connecting women to essential benefits and resources. Combining expertise in workforce development with a deep understanding of benefits programs, the role contributes to empowering women as they rebuild their lives. With a strong commitment to social justice, the Economic Empowerment Specialist is integral to advancing N Street Village's mission of providing comprehensive support to unhoused women.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine clients’ employment readiness and benefits eligibility.
• Develop individualized employment plans that align with clients’ goals and needs.
• Facilitate workshops on job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to help clients enhance their job skills.
• Educate clients about available benefits, including unemployment insurance, food assistance, and housing programs.
• Assist clients in the application process for various benefits, ensuring timely submissions and follow-ups.

• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers to create client job opportunities.
• Organize job fairs and networking events to connect clients with potential employers.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to coordinate services and resources for clients.
• Refer clients to additional support services such as mental health counseling, legal aid, and housing assistance.
• Maintain accurate records of client progress and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports on program effectiveness and client success stories.

Key Organizational Responsibilities

In addition to role responsibilities, every staff member has the following responsibilities as a part of their employment:

• Models and reinforces the mission, vision, and values of the Village
• Actively participates in performance improvement and advocacy activities that support the mission
• Protects clients’ personal health information by maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other relevant health care-related IT security regulations
• Performs other duties on an as-needed basis

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Formal Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with unhoused populations or in crisis intervention.
• Certification in job coaching or career counseling is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in employment services, workforce development, or social services, preferably within a nonprofit setting.
• Strong knowledge of benefits programs and community resources.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and culturally competent approach to client interactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data management systems.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This onsite position involves sitting approximately 60% of the time, walking 20%, and standing 20%. Work includes direct interaction with clients and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and client death. Essential duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

*May be exposed to infectious disease with little likelihood of harm if established procedures are followed

N Street Village’s (NSV) goal is to ensure every woman in Washington D.C. has a safe place to call home. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our clients, and to our community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.