Education and Employment Specialist

Job Title

This position is responsible for supporting clients in finding and maintaining employment. The specialist assists clients with removing barriers to employment and advancing job readiness skills. This individual is responsible for orienting clients to the U.S. workforce through individual coaching and teaching job readiness classes. The specialist will network with employers and agencies in the community to best serve the client population. This position will also develop and implement curricula and activities to develop job skills and provide clients orientation to the U.S.

About Us

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

About Our Program/Department

Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

Required Competencies

Must be able to maintain program/guest/agency confidentiality and professional boundaries while treating each individual with dignity and respect.

Highly organized with keen attention to detail.

Self-motivated and directed with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.

Works well within a rapidly changing environment. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of personal goals.

Communicates openly and honestly.

Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism.

Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance and seeks support from others when necessary.

Demonstrated leadership, dependability, maturity, creativity, discretion, initiative, and flexibility.

Ability and desire to work with a variety of people to carry out the mission and purpose of the program.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of working with people from different cultures.
• Knowledge of teaching adult learners.
• Knowledge of teaching English Language Learners (ELL).

Skill:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in basic office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Familiarity with computers, internet and experience with e-mail required.
• Ability to gather information and assess client situation rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to write clear, grammatically correct log notes, spell, and alphabetize.
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Problem solving.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to oversee a diverse classroom setting.
• Discretion, flexibility, and organizational ability sufficient to fulfill position responsibility with minimum supervision.
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

Responsibilities

Conduct employment assessments with clients. Assist enrolled clients in setting employment goals and plans.

Responsible for assisting clients in implementing their employment plans, including connecting to resources for the development of job skills, access to transportation to employment sites, and for completion of preemployment requirement (i.e., background checks, drug tests).

Educate clients on job search methods, filling out job applications and, as appropriate, assist with completing and submitting applications.

Prepare clients for job interviews through orientation and rehearsal. As appropriate, accompany clients to job interviews and/or coordinate for an interpreter to attend.

Conduct ongoing monitoring of employed clients and mediate employer client relations.

Outreach to new employer contacts and maintain relationships with employers currently connected to the program.

Develop and implement curricula and activities as necessary to develop job skills and provide clients orientation to the U.S.

Teach classes including but not limited to computer class, job readiness, mock interviews, and job applications.

Complete documentation of all meetings with clients and work related to clients thoroughly, accurately and in a timely fashion. Prepare reports for RAIS records as required.

Keep informed of staff communications, changes to RAIS policies, procedures, and new community resource information.

Assist in crisis intervention as necessary, obtaining police, medical, psychiatric, or other emergency services for client(s), as appropriate, and applying CPR techniques when appropriate.

Manage client confidentiality; handle sensitive personal information.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience working case management in a human services, direct services, or similar role.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work Environment

Physical demands: Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.

Travel: Frequent travel within Anchorage is required. Rare travel to Wasilla office.