Professional Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

A Community of Friends (ACOF) is a nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1988 with the goal of developing housing for individuals and families with special needs. Its mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. ACOF’s values are Dignity, Excellence, Community and Equity. 

SUMMARY

The Professional Development Associate (PDA) is responsible for assisting the Professional Development Coordinator during classroom instruction. The PDA keeps the learning environment clean and orderly by organizing learning materials, setting up and picking up at the end of the day. At times, the PDA will prepare educational materials, grade assignments, and assist in defusing any behavior issues or emergencies. The PDA must have solid communication skills, patience and compassion for others. Experience working with disadvantaged populations including those who have been previously homeless living with a chronic mental disability is required.

• Assist Professional Development Coordinator with preparing curriculum lesson plans
• Assist participants in assessing their job skills for positions
• Instruct individualized job seeking skills, resume writing, application procedures and interview preparation
• Establish and maintain working relationships with employers, volunteer centers, community colleges, trade schools, and job development agencies
• Maintain weekly contact with tenants participating in professional development program
• Meet individually with past program graduates to assist them in any updated career needs such as resume, job leads, college enrollment or volunteer program
• Assist Professional Development Coordinator in tracking program metrics 
• Responsible for reporting abuse, as a mandated reporter which includes immediately reporting any 
• concerns with respect to violation of a person’s rights, actual and/or suspected abuse
• Transport tenants in ACOF van to various agencies such as, work source centers, DMV, DPSS and other agencies
• Assist in coordinating and managing the mentorship aspect of the professional development program

Requirements:

To perform effectively in this position, the Professional Development Associate must have:

• Six months working in the job development field
• One (1) year working in the homeless social services/client advocacy with people who have a mental illness or substance use addiction 
• One (1) year experience utilizing a client tracking database system
• Proficiency with Microsoft software programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Six (6) months experience utilizing evidence based practices in a social services field 
• Valid California driver’s license 
• Access to a personal vehicle to be used to conduct ACOF business 
• Ability to meet California minimum and ACOF insurance requirements
• Ability to lift 30 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) 
• BA in Social Services Field 
• Proficiency with the HMIS system 
• Knowledge of the Coordinated Entry System and a familiarity with the VI-SPDAT 
• Communicate effectively both in verbal and written formats 
• Sensitivity and appreciation of diverse tenant populations as a benchmark to effectively promote community and independent living skills 
• Extensive knowledge of the Team Concept and ability to navigate a variety of social service systems 
• Experience working in a setting striving towards a team-building environment 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View email address on us.fitly.work.

ACOF will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair -chance-act/.