The Workforce Advocate will provide specialized case management and coaching to current and former foster youth to assist them in defining their education and vocational goals, supplying them with the knowledge and resources necessary to secure employment opportunities (consistent with their interests, skills, and goals) and to maximize job retention.He/she will work closely with primary case managers to assess each youth for job readiness and locate job training programs and positions that match each youth’s unique interests and abilities. The Workforce Advocate will be the liaison to all workforce programs offered by all four Texas Workforce Boards in the North Texas Region and to job training partners. He/She will refer all youth to appropriate workforce service providers; monitor WIA services and progress; give feedback to the youth’s primary case manager; and monitor youth placed in employment or in self-sufficiency job training programs.He/she will be responsible for building effective partnerships with employers in order to provide current and former foster youth with livable wage employment opportunities. He/she will orient employers to the specific needs of TRAC youth and will work with employers and training partners to ensure job readiness. He/she will be responsible for coordination with the Texas Workforce Solutions network, local businesses and training providers, local public school systems, alternative schools, and colleges for workforce, employment, training, and education services for foster youth.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; degree in social work or a related field preferred; Master’s in Social Work (MSW) highly desirable.

Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with young at-risk populations, youth in foster care or who have been neglected or abused; experience in workforce training or recruitment highly desirable.

Additional Requirements: Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook. Must be able to managing a case tracking system. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and on-call (24 hrs). Must have driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be able to travel within assigned region on a daily basis. General knowledge of workforce services; an understanding of the array of local services available to support foster youth; a working knowledge of the policies, rules, and procedures of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, The Texas Workforce Commission, and other entities providing services to foster youth.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This section describes the primary responsibilities of an employee in this position. Please note: The primary responsibilities of this position are not limited to this list.

1. Interface with the four North Texas workforce boards and their contractors to facilitate pre-employment and vocational services for current and former foster youth.

2. Refer all clients to appropriate workforce youth service provider and monitor services and progress. Give feedback to the primary case manager.

3. Assist youth who need immediate assistance in finding employment or in completing enrollment for entry in GED, post secondary or advanced training.

4. Coordinate with local businesses and training providers for employment opportunities for foster youth.

5. Establish and maintain employment resources and community partners in order to provide youth with entry level employment opportunities.

6. Manage on-going partnerships with employers and staff members to maximize retention once youth are placed in a position.

7. Work with staff members to profile each youth and locate positions that match each youth’s needs: background, skills, interests, location, etc.

8. Assist youth with facilitating transportation to job interviews and employment locations. Accompany youth to job interviews as appropriate.

9. Follow up regularly with employers on all youth referrals and then with youth to coach for performance.

10. Monitor employer and youth satisfaction with the employment process and their employment to facilitate retention.

11. Administer and interpret relevant assessments with youth to help define the youths’ interest and job readiness.

12. Assist youth in matching their interests and skills with appropriate career paths that will lead to a livable wage job.

13. Refer youth to college, vocational and training programs.

14. Assist youth with getting any ID documents that they need including birth certificate, social security card, state ID, high school transcripts, etc..

15. Assist youth in completing college applications and financial aid paperwork.

16. Coach youth in developing good work habits for future employment.

17. Determine if youth are “work ready” based on interview, assessment and input from other TRAC staff.

18. Conduct job readiness training (individuals or groups) around Region 3 as requested by primary case managers to prepare clients for jobs. The training is to include resume writing, interviewing techniques, how to dress for job interviews.

19. Provide training for “soft skills” to include: goal setting, decision-making, communication, conflict resolution and problem solving.

20. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ANDABILITIES

This section describes the knowledge, skills and abilities an employee in this position should currently possess. Please note: The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are not limited to this list.

1. Working knowledge of Workforce Investment Act and other Texas Workforce Commission programs.

2. Skill in customer service to be able to implement a dual customer model (clients and community partners)

3. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

4. Small and large group leadership skills, including the ability to teach and model Independent Living and Employability Skills.

5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise patience, strong initiative, good judgment and responsibility.

6. Ability to observe and make accurate assessments of situations (e.g. needs of young adults who are referred).

7. Ability to build effective relationships with employers throughout the community.

8. Ability to assess employment needs and successfully match youth with employers.

9. Knowledge of computers and software applications.

10. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.

11. Effective oral and written communication skills.

12. Ability to communicate effectively with clients and co-workers.

13. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.

14. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

15. Ability to work as a team player.

16. Demonstrate knowledge of trauma informed care- allowing youth to make mistakes, giving them second and third chances when necessary.

17. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

18. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

19. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

20. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

This section describes the physical, mental and other special demands of this job. Modifications to the manner in which this job may be performed will be reviewed periodically.

1. Ability to work a 40 hour week.

2. Ability to sit for long periods, up to 8 hours.

3. Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small tools (copier, computer, telephone).

4. Ability to push and pull up to 10 lbs. (File cabinet drawers, computer paper boxes).

5. Ability to see well enough to read handwritten and typewritten material.

6. Ability to hear and speak well enough to communicate via phone.

7. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds dead weight to move or transfer fboxes or documents.

8. Ability to retrieve files from bottom shelves/drawers and reach up for items located on top shelves.

9. Ability to reach, turn and twist above and below the waist daily to retrieve files or supplies.

10. Ability to stand and walk daily to retrieve forms/supplies for other departments.

11. Ability to spend 10% of working time outside in temperature varying from -0oF to 110oF.

12. Ability to spend 90% working time in environment of continuous moderate voices and office machine noise typical for business office atmosphere.

13. Ability to handle a variety of repetitive tasks.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.61 - $23.62 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Worth, TX 76133: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Worth, TX 76133