Senior Director, Job Retention Services

About First Step Staffing

First Step Staffing goal is to provide a pathway to economic stability through employment and job retention services.

Our vision is to create opportunity and dignity through employment so that everyone in our communities can THRIVE.

We aim to open the door to economic opportunities for anyone who faces barriers to employment. In addition, we provide transportation to and from work and connection to critical support, especially housing and upskilling.

THRIVE- Our Core Values

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Teamwork- We all achieve more when we collaborate and work together.

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Heart- We are omitted to kindness and empathy.

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Resilience- We look at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

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Integrity- We are honest, ethical, and trustworthy.

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Vision- We purposely plan for the future.

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Empower- We lift each other up and extend respect and responsibility to everyone.

Position Summary: We are looking for the ideal candidate whose work experience and goals will support in moving our mission forward. The ideal candidate will have experience implementing workforce programs and/or stabilizing housing and working directing with the justice system. In addition, our ideal new team member must enjoy working in a rapidly growing and changing department. Finally, you must enjoy working directly with the community we serve. If this is you, this role may be perfect for you.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day functions of the retention services program, focusing on our justice impacted and unstably housed clients. This will include developing & communicating between referral partners, building landlord and housing provider partnerships, implementing our upskilling workforce program, in addition, monitoring and tracking data in shared and internal systems to carry program goals. The Senior Director of Retention Services will facilitate eligible clients receiving the necessary support to maintain employment. These services include but not limited to - 1. Immediate services such as mental health, substance abuse, ID procurement, food and clothing, childcare, legal services, and banking resources: 2. Long term services such as: upskilling support and housing stabilization and other life sustaining resources to allow our clients to maintain employment.

The Goal of the position is to provide barrier removal services to First Step clients to enable them to retain and maintain employment.

First Step Staffing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity,

gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Essential Duties:

a.

Workforce Training

i.

Maintain established training and certification partner relationships.

ii.

Recruit and retain new training and certification partners.

iii.

Recruit eligible clients, explain program benefits and requirements, and assist them with application process.

iv.

In collaboration with training provider, ensure employer partners are established for eligible graduates.

v.

Conduct routine follow-up to track client job placement, wages, and retention.

vi.

Conduct Emerging Leaders Modules as needed.

b.

Partnership Relations

i.

Maintain established partner organization relationships and function as liaison between the organization and FSS, Northeast Region

ii.

Recruit and retain partner organizations

iii.

Monitor partner satisfaction and provide data on impact as needed

iv.

Leverage data to strengthen partnerships and programs

v.

Present First Step Staffing services at community and partnership events

vi.

Serve as the Lead for our Justice Impacted Partners

c.

Housing Pilot Program

i.

Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.

ii.

Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.

iii.

Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice.

iv.

Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e., tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies).

v.

Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.

vi.

Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions

vii.

Refer clients to financial wellness classes to assist clients in establishing payment plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing

viii.

Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.

ix.

Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.

x.

Collect and report program data, including but not limited to Tempworks, Excel Tracking Charts and other systems for reporting internally and externally.

xi.

Attend conferences, grow housing, and resource partnerships.

xii.

Track deliverables as outlined in grants

d.

Client Support Services

i.

Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of client needs and barriers to employment

ii.

Coordinate and conduct orientation sessions for clients

iii.

Coach clients toward strategies to retain permanent employment

iv.

Provide individual and group coaching sessions (as needed)

First Step Staffing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity,

gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

e.

Administration

i.

Complete Employment Development plans, work in multiple tracking charts, code, and input data in Tempworks in a timely manner to avoid backlogging.

ii.

Perform administrative duties such as operating office equipment or data filing as required.

iii.

Provide accurate data and documentation for retention, follow-up and reporting

Additional Duties:

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Ensure client records (files and data) are following First Step grants and contracts

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Participate in weekly, monthly, and community meetings (as required)

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Reports regularly to supervisor on client’s progress

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Complete and submit all required reporting forms, including hours worked in a timely manner

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Other duties as assigned by leadership

General Qualifications:

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English and Spanish speaking required

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Lived Experience, preferred

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Access to reliable personal transportation, valid Driver’s License, and acceptable MVR.

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Excellent oral and written communication skills

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Ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of individuals

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Must possess good organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, and be able to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously.

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Superior organizational, time management and customer service skills

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Collaborative and diplomatic relationship style; promotes respect and practice of civility and inclusivity in the workplace

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Ten years progressively responsible work experience, preferably in a supervisory capacity.

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Five or more years’ experience working with the homeless, and/or justice impacted population in career services, providing wrap-around support including housing and/or upskilling

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Experience serving individuals with barriers to employment

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Advanced Degree Required- and/or # of equivalent work experience

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Proficiency with Microsoft Office

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Staffing industry experience, a plus

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Experience with TempWorks a plus

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Shift hours are typically 8:00am-4:30pm, M-F, but will require periodic earlier hours, evening, and weekend hours during seasonal demand periods.

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Physical requirements include sitting for extended periods in an office environment, standing/walking for extended periods on job sites, lifting supplies from 10-25lbs without assistance.

Required Documents- Cover Letter and Resume should be sent to Karima@firststepstaffing.com with the position in the Subject line.