Workforce Program Specialist

Job Title: Workforce Program Specialist

Reports to: Social Enterprise Director

Effective Date: 1 January 2025

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Location: On-site at Light House Bistro 202 West Street and 10 Hudson Street, this position does require travel to satellite properties. This is not a remote position.

Job Objectives

The Workforce Program Specialist will support The Light House by proactively engaging clients in the development of their service plans, goals, and coordinating referrals to appropriate programs and community resources. The Advocate will work to continue to stabilize clients and help them overcome barriers into competitive long-term employment.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing support to clients by establishing individualized plans, making appropriate community referrals, and facilitating workforce development programs.
• Responsible for execution of workforce grants, with a particular focus on SNAP E&T and other public fund awards, coordinating across departments and residential programs to ensure benchmarks are met and data collection is accurate.
• Data Entry:
• HMIS
• Company Drive
• MD Works
• Schedules and conducts regular face-to face meetings with clients to recognize, address, and overcome employment barriers, work towards goals and improve or maintain well-being. Re-assessment of employees to determine if employee goals and progress are being met.
• Tracks retention and success data using HMIS for all clients and provides this information as request for grants and other reports.
• Engages with clients in a supportive, non-judgmental manner to facilitate therapeutic rapport and assist with crisis prevention and intervention, as needed.
• Provides supportive services and keeps clients informed of all community activities, programs resources, and training.
• Referrals / Supports with wrap around services:
• GED / High School Diploma
• Crisis
• Childcare
• Transportation
• Taxes
• Expungements
• Food Security Supports
• Enrollment in public benefits
• Driver’s License attainment
• Maintains up to date, orderly client files and case notes and provides reports on participant progress and success stories.
• Connects with employers and strengthens partnerships within the community to facilitate and track exit up to a year from Social Enterprise into job placement within the community.
• Fosters trauma-informed and open and safe community at the Social Enterprise using best practices.
• Job Readiness Assessment prior to eligibility for external placement.
• Assists with connections and securing employer partnerships.
• Has knowledge of and is in compliance with all confidentiality requirements and HIPPA.

Light House Team

• Possess knowledge of and comply with mission, philosophy, policies and procedures of The Light House.
• Possess a working knowledge of Light House services; specifically Social Enterprise and policies and procedures pertaining to restaurant operations.
• Other duties as required by business needs.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge base of substance abuse and mental health
• Must understand the therapeutic process, confidentiality laws, professional ethics, fundamentals of addiction, chemical dependency, and the 12-step philosophy.
• Ability to self-motivate and possess strong time-management and organizational skills while managing a high volume of client interactions.
• Strong administrative and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible to the daily needs of a non-profit and restaurant environment.

Required Skills/Abilities

BA, BS in related field (or equivalent work/lived experience)

Firm understanding of Social Enterprise production operations

Well versed in Trauma Informed Care best practices

Physical Requirements:

Day to day physical needs will change, this position may require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, working in a restaurant environment to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

About The Light House

The Light House is a community of people from all walks of life. We strive to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, accessibility and respect for the many differences that enrich our organization, including differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, age, socioeconomic status, national origin, culture, language, sexual orientation, and ability.

The Light House does not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment. Our organization takes pride in providing a safe and welcoming environment, and requires that staff, volunteers, board members, residents, and all who walk through our doors treat each other with dignity and respect. Thank you for joining our efforts to celebrate and honor the diversity of our unique Light House community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25