Job Development Specialist

Employment Navigator

Supportive Housing

Full Time

San Mateo, CA, US

Salary Range:$25.00 to $26.00 hourly

Status: FT Non-Exempt

Reports To: Housing Services Coordinator

Schedule of Hours: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours/week

Possible Percentage of Work from Home: 90% on-site at Community Office, various satellite offices

Mandated Reporter: Yes

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

As the only agency in San Mateo County with the sole purpose of serving those experiencing intimate partner abuse, CORA provides safety, support and healing. CORA’s comprehensive services include a 24-hour hotline, collaboration with law enforcement, emergency shelter options, legal services and family-centered mental health therapy. In addition, CORA provides community education and prevention programming throughout the county.  CORA is a multicultural agency committed to serving individuals, regardless of age, ethnicity/race, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, gender expression, mental or physical ability.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Navigator will be a vital role in CORA's Supportive Housing team, playing a crucial role in connecting job seekers who are moving into independent living with suitable employment opportunities, fostering relationships with employment-focused agencies in the community, and assisting clients with exploring additional income and benefits opportunities. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and persistence to excel in this role. This position works closely with the Supportive Housing team while reporting directly to the Housing Services Coordinator. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES

• Intake and Assessment: Conduct initial assessments with CORA clients to gather information on their employment history, skills, education, interests, and barriers to employment.
• Employment Allyship: Working in partnership with CORA clients, determining employment needs and create a service plan for supporting employment changes such as seeking employment, changing employment, receiving vocational training and job upgrade support.  
• Skill Development: Identify CORA clients’ skill gaps and provide resources or referrals to relevant training programs, workshops, or educational opportunities to help them improve their employability.
• Support Services Coordination: Connect CORA clients with additional support services, such as transportation assistance, childcare, housing resources, or financial counseling, to address barriers to employment. 
• Case Management and Monitoring: Regularly follow up with CORA clients to monitor their progress, provide ongoing support, and continue to connect to appropriate resources as needed. Support CORA clients with filling out applications to various income and benefits available throughout San Mateo County, such as CalWORKS, unemployment, SSI, and more. 
• Employment Agency Outreach: Engage with local employers to understand their opportunities, eligibility requirements, and establish partnerships for the purpose of creating direct referral systems for CORA clients. 
• Job preparation assistance: Offer guidance and support including resume and cover letter writing, job application assistance, and interview preparation.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Proactively seek, track, and actively participate in industry events, job fairs, and community outreach activities to expand CORA's network and identify employment resources for CORA’s clients. 
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate case notes and records of CORA clients' progress and prepare reports to track outcomes and demonstrate the effectiveness of the program.  Additionally, maintain accurate records of employer contacts, job placements, and other relevant data, and prepare reports to track progress and outcomes.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work closely with other CORA staff to provide comprehensive support and ensure the success of CORA's workforce development initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 1-year experience in workforce development, job placement, or a related field.  Demonstrated case management abilities in supporting job seekers to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency goals.
• Proficiency in using common office software, such as Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn and use job search and client database software.
• Academic requirements for this position include a minimum of an associate's degree (AA) in a relevant field such as human resources, business administration, social work, or psychology. However, candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and significant work experience in workforce development, job placement, or a related field may be considered in lieu of the AA degree. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS   

• Successful results upon hire from a DOJ Live Scan fingerprint clearance are required
• Completion of the 40 Hour Training – required and will be provided to the successful applicant upon hire if not already completed within last 5 years. 
• Driver’s License and active insurance requirement

EEO STATEMENT

CORA inspires work of the highest caliber by fostering staff engagement through transparency and inclusion in agency decisions wherever possible. We strive to ensure our policies and communications reflect an appreciation of the impact of social inequities, historical and current, and actively promote healthy relationships amongst staff by demonstrating mutual respect in all our communications. CORA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We seek diversity with respect to race, color, age, sex, (including breastfeeding and medical conditions related to breastfeeding), religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic characteristics and information, ancestry, marital status, family status, political belief, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), medical condition, military, or veteran status or any other category or status protected by Federal, State or other applicable laws.

All applicants are welcome. Individuals who are bilingual, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and/or survivors of domestic violence are strongly encouraged to apply. The position will remain open until filled.

Salary : $25 - $26