Education And Employment Specialist

COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA

JOB TITLE: Education and Employment Specialist REVISED: 4/2013

DIVISION: Career Center - Oakland PREPARED BY: AED

STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Oakland Program Director

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POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Education and Employment Specialist provides targeted educational and employment support, including intensive job retention services to residents in the CHC housing programs. The Specialist will work collaboratively with each resident’s assigned Case Manager to support and ensure appropriate progress toward resident goals. This position will help identify and develop employment opportunities for youth, and identify appropriate and effective resources to promote the educational attainment and career development of youth.

Assessment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Complete assessment report within two weeks of client intake into housing.
• Create initial case plan utilizing assessment tools and client meetings. This includes assessment interviews with clients, providing standardized testing, and obtaining educational records.
• Administer career and educational assessments to each new youth entering the housing program.
• Development of plan for clients’ educational, vocational and employment options.

Employment

• Employment Counseling weekly with minimum caseload of 15 youth from both Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing programs.
• Maintain current and relevant job electronic folders/binders; regularly update to include new

employment opportunities.

• Ensure youth are meeting performance objectives with respect to employment progress
• Hold regular weekly meetings with assigned clients to address progress and refine focus of search. Ensure each client has the tools and skills to properly search for and find work, including job search techniques, computer skills, résumé, job applications, cover letters, follow-up, interview skills.
• Help youth to implement individualized plan that is created in conjunction with Youth Case Manager as it relates to employability, job search skills, and skills enhancement.
• Work on job development opportunities with local businesses for participants who have limited experience and/or need a supportive work environment. Accompany youth to job fairs, job interviews and submitting applications.
• Work with youth to increase success in job retention.

Education

• As appropriate, develop new program curriculum applicable to client needs, as well as coordinating educational fieldtrips and events for the educational/vocational enrichment of clients. Support in the coordination of college visits and tours, including accompanying youth on trips as needed.
• Develop and maintain a resource library of colleges/universities, including career and vocational/trade schools.
• Implement educational recommendations based on assessment outcomes. Provide education and vocational counseling to enhance education retention and direct clients into education paths that suit their abilities and goals.
• Lead monthly workshops for youth participants on education-related topics. Work with Youth Case Manager to ensure youth develop and maintain their educational plan. Ensure youth are meeting performance objectives with respect to educational progress in their case plan.
• Assist clients with school research and school/financial aid applications, as appropriate. Make referrals based upon abilities and interest in various school and vocational programs. Provide assistance locating and securing academic grants and scholarships.
• Educational counseling weekly with minimum caseload of 15 youth from both Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing programs.
• Assist in obtaining all educational records including high school/adult school transcripts, GED/diploma verification, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and psycho-educational assessments, serve as contact concerning IEP’s as needed to assist in re-establishing, updating or helping clients to complete requirements. Educate youth on degree and transfer requirements.

Documentation And Other

• Maintain documentation for tracking of services to clients and their attainment of benchmarks. Ensure that all client files have current and complete notes and documentation with regard to receipt of educational/vocational services. Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
• Ensure proper and timely documentation of services as per protocol and guidelines for HMIS and ETO systems.
• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Director. Ensure ongoing communication with other CHC departments. Attend all staff meetings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION: BA /BS degree in Education, Vocational Education, Social Sciences or a related

field.

EXPERIENCE: Two years experience in youth or young adult residential services, educational and/ or employment counseling with the client population. Knowledge and experience working with vocational programs and educational systems.

SKILLS: Must have knowledge of adolescent development and ability to teach at-risk youth. Must have very strong communication and organizational skills. Must be computer literate (Word, Outlook, ACCESS, etc.) Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, clients, vendors and the public.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have valid CA Driver’s license, reliable transportation, a good driving record and be able to drive residents to activities using CHC vans.

WORKING

CONDITIONS: General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend work may be required. Full-Time 40 hours per week.

EQUIPMENT USED: Computers, calculators, fax machines, telephone and other equipment required.