What are the responsibilities and job description for the Workforce Mentor position at POTS?
About POTS
Part of the Solution (POTS) is a 'one-stop shop' helping low-income individuals and families move from crisis to stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. POTS helps more than 35,000 people, including 9,000 children, annually. Currently, services include a Community Dining Room, a Food Pantry, Shower, Mail Facilities, Barbershop, Case Management, Legal Clinic and Mentoring Services.
About the position
The Workforce Mentor will assist POTS clients to seek and maintain employment using the skills and resources commonly associated with case management, social work and mentoring to help clients access employment and advance in their careers. The Workforce Mentor will assess clients’ skills, employment history and goals and develop case plans aimed at improving job-related skills and removing other barriers with the ultimate goal of obtaining employment. The individual will also work with the client to address challenges and barriers as they arise to ensure they are able to maintain their job, build resiliency and grow and succeed in their role.
• Recruit and assess clients: Do direct outreach at POTS or other venues to recruit new clients.
With a focus on work readiness, assess interested clients in the areas of education, work experience, professionalism, goals and barriers.
• Create employment-focused case plans: Work with clients to identify specific and realistic employment goals based on education, skills, experience and interests. Help clients reduce and remove barriers and create new pathways to employment and career advancement. When appropriate connect clients to GED/HSE/ESOL classes and skills training programs. Services provided include working with clients to improve resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills practice, and a reduction of barriers to work (for example finding child care or elder care, housing stability). Ensure clients access benefits and services for which they are eligible.
• Employment Retention: Follow up with clients to provide supportive services geared towards employment stability and career advancement.
• Collaborate with partner providers: Maintain and build POTS connections to employers and other workforce development providers. Maintain and use this network to appropriately refer clients to programs that will serve them best.
Required Skills
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2-3 years of experience in case management, social work, guidance counseling, or career advising
• Interest in developing a network to help expand the opportunities for the clients
• Willingness to be creative and flexible, compassionate and patient. Empathetic with a willingness to meet clients where they are
• Ability to have complex conversations in Spanish
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Knowledgeable with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Dedication to the mission and values of POTS
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
Preferred
• Knowledge of nonprofit network in the NYC metro area, specifically workforce development providers