Training & Engagement Specialist Jobs

Title: Trainer & Engagement Specialist

Program: Next Step

Salary Range: $45,000 to $54,000

Program Description:

Next Step is Project Renewal’s award-winning job placement program which places homeless, formerly homeless, and low-income individuals in competitive employment. Since 2000, Project Renewal has helped nearly 5,000 New Yorkers find and retain employment, achieve economic security, lead more fulfilling lives, and positively contribute to their communities. We enroll over 600 adults each year who have significant barriers to employment including those with histories of homelessness, substance use, underemployment, mental health diagnoses and criminal justice involvement. Our comprehensive approach allows us to work individually with each client to minimize barriers to employment and prepare them for the world of work.

Overall Responsibilities:

The Next Step Trainer and Engagement Specialist will primarily be responsible for facilitating workshops for our sector-based training programs focused on jobs in social services. This includes the Next Step Internship Program (NSIP) (training for careers in homeless services) – 8-week classroom-based training and paid on-the-job internships at a homeless shelter or supportive housing. The person in this role will also be responsible for engaging clients while in the programs to ensure enrollment and graduation performance goals are met. In addition, they will work with the job development team to connect graduates to employment opportunities to meet placement job placement outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Skills Training Coordinator of Next Step, duties include, but are not limited to:

Trainer (60%):

• Adapt training methods to accommodate various learning styles and individual participant needs.
• Assist clients with computer skills and on-line job search
• Collaborate with Skills Training Coordinator to develop and implement new workshops as needed by new contracts, employers and clients
• Incorporate case studies, role-playing exercises, and group discussions to facilitate active learning and skill development
• Facilitate a range of in-person and virtual job readiness and skills training workshops to prepare clients for internships and jobs in the social services sector
• Provide one-on-one job readiness support such as mock interviews and resume/cover letter development

Engagement Specialist (30%)

• Engage clients post training and pre-employment
• Address challenges that may arise with the client in the classroom or internship site. Work with Skills Training Coordinator to address concerns such as behavior, work performance, etc.
• Conduct weekly check-in with the clients while they are enrolled in the program
• Engage with clients while they are on their internship to ensure that internship is running smoothly

Administrative (10%)

• Collaboration with the Job Development team on onsite hiring events
• Assist with internship assignment and administrative management
• Document all interactions in the clients’ record in Salesforce
• Work with HR Department to ensure that clients are cleared for their internship assignment
• Document attendance and client progress in Salesforce and other systems required by funding sources
• Coordinate with the Job Developers to secure employment for the clients that successfully completed NSIP

Core Competencies:

Facilitation and Leadership

• Demonstrate creativity and innovation to facilitate learning
• Ability to engage client in services to achieve set goals
• Ability to assess and evaluate clients' skills
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to manage classroom engagement and challenges
• Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness

Interpersonal Communication

• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently
• Ability to build and nurture relationship with clients, staff and partners
• Excellent listening, oral and written skills

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Ability to work under deadlines and changing priorities
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Cultural Competency and Sensitivity

• Understanding of the population and their needs
• Strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Administrative

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate and well-organized case notes

Technology

• Knowledge of virtual platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Classroom, etc)
• Knowledge of Salesforce or other CRM system
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)

Qualifications:

• B.A. degree strongly preferred and/or equivalent years of experience
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals who have been incarcerated, struggled with substance use, or faced mental health challenges
• Excellent facilitation, presentation and communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage adult learners

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.