Description

Job Objective:

To provide overall services for youth with a preventative approach to reduce future violence in the City of South Bend, within the Workforce Development Services Department. Case management services, educational services, mentoring, job placement and follow-along services are the primary function of Workforce Development Services. Therefore, the position is pivotal to the general business operations of the Workforce Development Services Department and the fulfillment of the organization’s overall mission. The GVI Outreach Resource Specialist is the lead staff for this program and oversees all aspects of the client’s progress while in Goodwill programing. Because of the necessity of using discretion and independent judgment when representing the client, employer, and Goodwill, as well as mobility of the job, limited supervision is available. The position reports directly to the SAVE Manager who evaluates performance annually.

Essential Job Functions:

• Knows and understands the Goodwill Mission: Strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.
• Reviews and assesses all background information concerning strengths, abilities, and vocational preferences, as well as needs, limitations, and barriers.
• Conducts an intensive intake interview with the client to review information provided by the referral source and to obtain remaining information vital to the development of a plan of services for the client.
• Develops an individual program plan based on input from the person served, other appropriate personnel, prior assessment and referral information concerning vocational preferences, education, strengths abilities and needs.
• Teaches and/or enhances job seeking methods and techniques, following funding stream guidelines.
• Ensures that each client has a functioning resume which is reflective of the vocational goals and is written in a manner that is presentable to potential employers.
• Conducts weekly meetings with staff to help identify youth that can benefit from violence prevention services, in addition to establishing relationships/visiting local South Bend Schools and fulling the metric of the outreach proposal.
• Ensures that all documentation meets the requirements of the funding stream, CARF and legal entities.
• Assists with employer contacts by telephone, in person and/or the internet.
• Monitors, evaluates and provides follow-along services to clients and businesses/industries where clients are employed for the duration of the follow-along period, as dictated by the funding stream and the needs of the clients.
• Maintains detailed accurate records and write reports according to funding stream guidelines via the case management system.
• Engages in constructive and open communication, including advisement and consultation, with case managers from funding streams, Goodwill case managers, job coaches, retention specialists, supervisors, and other appropriate individuals.
• Develops and maintains relationships with outside services and makes appropriate referrals based on identified needs in the individual program plan or client needs as they arise.
• Travels to accommodate clients as appropriate.
• Works effectively with the Business Advisory Counsel concerning general job development and individual job placement for persons served, as a means of creating additional opportunities for job seekers.
• Works effectively with other staff, both within and outside of the department. Shares job leads and contact names outside of department. Assists other Goodwill departments with job placement and/or retention services as needed.
• Educates and performs marketing and public relation functions for employers concerning services and advantage of utilizing Goodwill clients and services.
• Acts as a liaison and labor consultant between client and employer, including research and consultation concerning legal and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as a representative of Goodwill in agency involvement with community business groups.
• Generates the Outcome Management Report to measure the performance of the Workforce Development Services department.
• Participates in meetings and activities of the Group Violence Intervention initiative and collaborates with social service partners.
• Communicates with family members of youth who are demonstrating behaviors that may indicate gang involvement.
• Creates mentorship programs in middle and high school and promote the Group Violence Intervention Initiative.
• Coordinates program activities with agencies and service providers, keeping them informed and actively involved in GVI formulation.
• Identifies resources to aid in and facilitate the intervention and rehabilitation of individuals that are gang involved or at risk of gang involvement.
• Participates in school, home and street visits to youth and family members in their lives.
• Interacts with liaisons from county agencies, city government, local law enforcement, local businesses, education, health, and social services, and community organizations to enhance and sustain ongoing support for the Group Violence Intervention program.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field preferred. A minimum of 1 year of college and related work experience is required.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet stringent deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate others.
• Ability to relate to, understand and be creative in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities and disadvantaged conditions, coming from various economic levels, nationalities, cultures, etc.
• Ability to relate to and interact with referral agencies and employers.
• Ability to use discretion and sound judgment with clients and employers and interpret and implement general placement policies.
• Ability to make sound judgment and deviate from established policies and procedures when appropriate depending on client and/or business need.
• Ability to adjust to a flexible schedule based upon a 40-hour work week; organize tasks effectively; and prioritize job duties with placement of clients being priority.
• Ability to mediate, negotiate and resolve client and employer grievances through the established grievance procedures.
• Ability to communicate orally and hear clearly.
• Must possess a current driver’s license.
• Must possess current automobile insurance that provides adequate coverage for the vehicle used.

Equipment Used:

• Computer/internet/email
• Telephone
• Smart phone
• Photocopier
• Video cameras
• Fax machine
• Automobile
• Equipment used at employer’s site.

Physical Requirements:

• Office environment.
• Job site conditions will vary depending on where a specific client is placed.