What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority?
About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.
NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.
NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.
NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Employment Specialist
Summary
Develops, coordinates, and conducts programs, modules, and/or service plans to train and obtain employment for Jobs Plus program participants. Collects, compiles, and analyzes data on Jobs Plus participants employment service needs. Coaches, counsels, and assists program participants. Acts to assure compliance with Jobs Plus grant requirements. Identifies and reports on training needs for specific industries. Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with NRHA staff, residents, partners, and other parties to promote Jobs Plus initiatives, training programs, and services Prepares and submits memoranda, reports, and other documents.
Essential Functions
- Plans, develops, and implements employment services programs, modules, and/or service plans to obtain employment for Job Plus program participants: receives assignment; collaborates with others to determine program content; plans and develops program; plans and executes program marketing effort; conducts program, including conducting training assignments, as directed; monitors program results using standard techniques, include pre- and post-testing, proficiency testing, and other means; and takes corrective action as needed.
- Collects, compiles, and analyzes data on program participants’ employment needs: conducts surveys as assigned to assess partner skill requirements and resident training needs; identifies current and future employment needs of Jobs Plus participants; assesses the availability of programs and services for Jobs Plus participants; and performs other research assignments as directed.
- Markets Jobs Plus program to residents and recruits program participants: markets program to residents, using fliers, brochures, one-on-one meetings, and group meetings; identifies prospects; meets with prospects and encourages registration; and assists prospects in registering for program.
- Coaches, counsels, and assists program participants: establishes and maintains contact with assigned program participants; meets with participants and discuss employment-related issues, including but not limited to employment opportunities, preparing for interviews, and resolving problems at the workplace; and assists participates in job or income-related activities, including but not limited to organizing tax return documents.
- Establishes and maintains program relationships with Jobs Plus employers to promote the training and hiring of Jobs Plus participants, and counsels residents in the availability of human services provided by local agencies.
- Establishes and maintains Jobs Plus program partnerships with local human service agencies to coordinate services and referrals other than those from on-site programs provided by the Calvert Family Investment Center (FIC).
- Coordinates entrepreneurship and employment training programs with other NRHA staff, including but not limited to Section 3 program staff, family self-sufficiency (FSS) staff, and other Client Services staff members.
- Acts to assure compliance with grant requirements: follows grant rules and provides reports.
- Assists other NRHA staff in coordinated self-sufficiency initiatives with community partners.
- Monitors Jobs Plus programs that are coupled with other educational and employment programs; monitors and evaluates training needs of Jobs Plus participants; monitors and evaluates effectiveness of training programs; monitors external workforce programs to assess effectiveness and applicability to Jobs Plus participants; and performs other monitoring assignments as directed.
- Collects, complies and distributes information about the services in Calvert Square Family Investment Center (FIC) program and employment services programs.
- Assigns, schedules, and coordinates community engagements at assigned communities.
- Serves as a member of the organization’s Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Coordinating Committee and the Advisory Committee.
- Presents reports in oral, written, graphical, electronic, or other appropriate form: prepares and submits scheduled summary written reports to comply with HUD grant requirements, and to report assignment progress and conclusions; may deliver oral reports and presentations on assignments and findings; uses standard software to design graphs, tables, figures and other information graphics; prepares presentation slides using standard presentation software; and presents oral reports of findings as directed.
- Performs a variety of administrative duties: prepares and submits correspondence, presentation materials, and other documents; maintains business directory database; establishes and maintains confidential files; and performs other administrative assignments as directed.
- Performs other related work duties as required.
Education, Experience, and Licenses
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- One to three years of progressively responsible experience in the human services field preferred.
- Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Certification as Housing Counselor or Specialist, or Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist, may be required for some assignments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment, vocational development, career development, and personal development programs and techniques.
- Comprehensive and current knowledge of NRHA policies, practices, and procedures.
NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more. Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.
Want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community? NRHA is looking for you!
NRHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants receive consideration for a position without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, or any other class protected by law. NRHA is an eVerify employer and reviews the eligibility of each employee to work in the United States. NRHA is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. NRHA requires a criminal history record review for all positions. NRHA reserves the right to close or withdraw at any time any position it lists or advertises.