Client Skills Coach

Requisition #: req13177

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 Hours/Week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

• Develop and facilitate general job skills class, teaching clients the necessary skills to find, obtain and maintain employment;
• Select appropriate trainers and work with trainers on culturally and English language level appropriate curriculum;
• Provide supervision with the Program’s AmeriCorps/VISTA(s) who will assist in activities with the clients;
• Provide comprehensive case management with clients to encourage motivation, address barriers to accessing employment, and make linkages with community resources to address their various needs;
• Coordinate schedules of classes, client lists, room assignments, interpretation, trainers, volunteers, interns, and all necessary resources with assistance by the Assistant to Refugee Employment Program Supervisor;
• Develop and administer pre/post class tests to determine client’s knowledge attainment of covered topics;
• Work closely with clients during the general job skills class to understand their background and skills;
• Refer clients to the appropriate job-specific training and sign them up for one of these classes;
• Communicate with employment specialists, case managers, and Match Grant case managers on the results of the class and each individual’s performance, test results, job readiness, and any recommended further trainings;
• Write case notes documenting attendance and performance;
• Develop job-specific trainings based on the current employment climate and job opportunities for clients;
• Meet with local employers, in coordination with job developers, presenting the training or training ideas to develop a partnership with them;
• Obtain their feedback on the training, request additional content, ask for ways that they can be involved, request that they acknowledge the training and consider interviewing and hiring training graduates;
• Utilize local resources, like the Johnson Center, for researching current job trends and determining strategic areas for training;
• Connect with local training programs to seek out additional training opportunities for clients;
• Research and communicate with refugee training programs across the country to obtain ideas and resources;
• Attend weekly job development meetings and communicate any training needs or opportunities to job developers and employment specialists;
• Attend assigned business association meetings regularly in order to build contacts and relationships with new employers;
• Present refugee employment program to business associations/local organizations;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Work, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
• Prior work experience in business or social work, teaching or training experience, preferred;
• Bi-lingual and/or bi-cultural credentials, preferred;
• Burmese, Karen, Arabic, Nepali, Swahili, Kirundi, or Spanish language skills, preferred;
• Demonstrated active listening and interpersonal skills with proven verbal and communication skills;
• Must possess the ability to engage, and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals;
• Demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.