Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.

We are now hiring for a full-time Career Coach to join our Merrionette Park Team! 

SALARY: Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $42,000.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide outreach to engage targeted Self-Sufficiency caseload.
• Perform situational assessments and vocational explorations.
• 100% of clients assessed will be referred to job readiness training, external workforce partner, or direct job placement.
• Observe and document consumers vocational assets and limitation, ability to engage in competitive employment, need for and ability to benefit from supported employment, including natural supports.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Employment Plans.
• Coordinate and communicate with referral sources, community agencies and providers.
• Refer clients to job readiness training. Of those that attend, 90% of clients who complete job readiness training or other employment preparation services will have improved workforce readiness and career awareness determined by pre and post test.
• Assist 30% of non-working adults will obtain permanent, unsubsidized job in high demand industries. 
• Provide work support and referrals.
• Monitor retention of employment placements at the 30, 60, 90 and 180 days.
• Employer contact as needed to address any barriers or concerns and support client with potential advancement opportunities.
• Services are dictated by need and follow best practice: a) employment program provide rapid attachment for the resident to workforce; b) programming includes job readiness and job training; c) CHA-sponsored programs.
• Follow up with client and referral source to ensure successful completion.
• Assist residents in applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Handles emergency and crisis situations with residents.
• Works within contract, grant, and program requirements including meeting timelines and reporting requirements.
• Utilizes a team approach and works with other program staff in the planning and implementation of services.
• With supervisory approval, authorizes limited amounts of financial assistance to clients.
•  Takes increasing responsibility for own professional development, utilizing supervision and other developmental opportunities within and outside the agency to enhance skills and understanding.
• Works effectively with diverse staff and service populations.
• Highly organized. Knowledge of Excel to track economic self-sufficiency data.
• Required to work one Saturday and at least one late night a month.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent education with six years of training or demonstrated experience in providing workforce development/case management services for at-risk populations, required.
• OR Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Business, Communications, or a related field with three years of training or demonstrated experience in providing workforce development/case management services for at-risk populations, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and goal setting, required.
• Certified Workforce Development Professional Certificate preferred or must secure it within 1 year of employment.
• Must have access to a vehicle, valid driver's license and proof of insurance to perform essential job functions, required.
• Employment with MFS requires proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption, required.
• Works effectively with diverse staff and service populations.
• Accountable for providing exceptional customer service.
• Must have exceptional organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Excel to track economic self-sufficiency data.
• May be required to work one Saturday and at least one late night a month.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals: 

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• 12 paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401K Plan
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning
• Wellness Initiative Program
• Employee Assistance Network