Workforce Development Supervisor

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Youth and Community Development, provides supervision to Case Workers and Employment Mentors in the Workforce Development program. Directs workforce development and support services to assist program participants in developing employment skills to better obtain and maintain employment. Responsible for youth recruitment, interviews and assessment. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Frequent utilization of personal vehicle. Effective use of oral and written communications skills. Workforce Development Supervisor must have the flexibility to adjust work schedule to the needs of the program, including 24 hours, 7 days per week on call responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide vocational guidance and supportive counseling
• Maintain overflow caseload of program participants as needed
• Assist participants in securing employment opportunities in fields of participant's interest and in high growth industries
• Complete program reports and data entry as required
• Model the principles of employment success taught during the pre-employment curriculum
• Conduct follow up services to include phone calls, emails, employment site visits and home visits
• Facilitate Career Readiness Training groups as needed
• Ability to develop strong, supportive relationships with youth, referral sources and employers
• Conduct regular home visits, worksite visits and engage youth in a community setting
• Document all interactions into the appropriate electronic documentation system
• Provides supplementary services, as needed including Coping with Mental, Emotional, and Learning Disabilities; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender employment services; and financial literacy programming
• Assesses skills attainment, career planning, and referrals to supportive community employment
• Assist youth with education needs including High School completion, GED preparation, and access to community colleges or career programs
• Provide regular (at least bi-weekly) documented supervision to supervisees
• Sets a positive example for employees, is a role model. Supports and trains employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills
• Promotes professional growth in employees, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary
• Ensure employees attend training related to being trauma informed-at least two every twelve months
• Mediate personnel conflicts with respect and dignity
• Understand the impact of secondary trauma and workplace stress and use strategies to prevent, minimize and/or help employees heal and recover
• Ensure assessment tools used to inform practice and treatment include screens for trauma exposure
• Maintain fidelity of trauma focused interventions and treatment modalities
• Facilitate weekly team meetings
• Provide on the job training, mentor new and established employees
• Facilitate the Train the Trainer curriculum
• Develop or modify work plans and determine work priorities
• Increased knowledge of community resources
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintain personal area and program service areas in a neat and orderly fashion
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively
• Attend all employee meetings and in-service training as required
• Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement as required
• Effectively communicate with referring agencies and/or case managers regarding participant needs, placement and program services
• Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or participants
• Maintains compliance with program funding requirements
• Engage in continuing education and professional development in an effort to provide best practice
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in a human service field with related experience preferred or a bachelor's degree in a human service with related work experience
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred. Experience with DCFS wards preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred
• Strong sales ability
• Must be flexible, amiable & willing to work as part of a team
• Must be highly organized, detail focused, have excellent time management and possess strong computer skills
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid IL, IN, or WI Driver's license and clearance through DCFS
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Apply TODAY! No Phone Calls Please

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V