Employment Navigator- Community Action Reentry Services- Bilingual Required

The CARS Program is searching for an Employment Navigator to join their Team! The Employment Navigator will work individually with clients that were formerly incarcerated and are seeking employment or other resources. This person will assist clients with creating resumes and cover letters, applying for jobs, soft skills training, connecting to vocational training, and other assistance as needed in the center. The Employment Navigator will facilitate direct interactions between job seekers and potential employers and will provide an all-encompassing support structure for job seekers. This person may be involved in facilitating trainings and may work directly with hiring employers in Marion and Polk Counties.

Candidates must submit applications by 2/10/2025 in order to be considered for first round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience working in human services, corrections, housing, or working with vulnerable populations.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Driver qualification status is not required for this position.
• Candidate must pass comprehensive MWVCAA background screenings prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Basic proficiencies in computers, MS Office products, database software and web tools.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in difficult situations.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, in both written and oral form.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff, and program partners.
• Successful multitasker that can adapt and work in a flexible environment.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Tutors and assists clients with creating resumes and cover letters, applying for jobs, soft skills training, other employment education and general community resource navigation.
• Facilitates and/or assists with group workshops and presentations.
• Facilitates direct interactions between job seekers and potential employers. Provides an all-encompassing support structure for job seekers.
• Enters data into multiple databases. This includes client tracking, follow-up, and support as required.
• Respects confidentiality at all times.
• Understands how to identify common barriers that clients face and the appropriate resources to assist in removing or minimizing those barriers.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Occasional driving in all weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Working with coworkers/clients over the phone, via video conferencing, and in-person.
• Occasional noise and distractions in work spaces. May experience loud, agitated, unpredictable behaviors from clients.
• On-site work required.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

*MWVCAA is a Second Chance Employer supporting individuals with criminal records with a fair and equal opportunity at employment. A background check will be conducted for this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an individual from a job, unless there is a specific legal exclusion. MWVCAA will consider convictions as they relate to job duties and responsibilities and consider the length of time since the offense.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.