What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education, Employment and Housing Specialist position at Wanda Alston Foundation?

Job Description

Education, Employment, and Housing Specialist

The Wanda Alston Foundation is currently seeking an Education, Employment, and Housing Specialist to join our transitional housing programs team.

About the Wanda Alston Foundation

At the Wanda Alston Foundation, it is our mission to eradicate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA2S ) homelessness and to ensure LGBTQIA2S youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who are experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect. The Wanda Alston Foundation works to achieve this mission by providing housing and services to LGBTQIA2S youth who are experiencing homelessness. We provide youth with a safe place to call home, provide access to essential services, and assist youth in their goal of finding permanent, stable housing to allow for independent living. Our main programming is youth-centered and trauma-informed, focusing on personal growth, development, and self-sufficiency.

Job Description :

The Workforce Development Specialist at WAF implements comprehensive education, employment, and housing navigation services to the organization’s extended transitional housing program clients. This critical role helps guide young individuals during their transition from homelessness or unstable living conditions to more stable and independent living arrangements. This position will be critical to clients’ exit plans, empowering youth to pursue academic success, gain meaningful employment opportunities, and develop permanent housing arrangements.

Tasks include, but are not limited to :

Assist youth residents in setting educational goals and developing individualized academic plans, providing guidance to help them attain said goals
Conduct assessments of youth residents' skills, interests, and career goals to develop personalized employment plans.
Deliver workshops and trainings on resume writing, job search strategies, interview skills, and workplace etiquette.
Assist youth in identifying and accessing job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships aligned with their career aspirations.
Facilitate connections with local employers; assist youth in preparing job applications, conducting mock interviews, and securing employment opportunities.
Provide ongoing support and mentoring to help youth succeed in their jobs, address workplace challenges, and promote career advancement.
Collaborate with other program staff to ensure a holistic approach to youth development and independent living skills.
Work with clients to develop permanent housing plans, establish targeted rental amounts, desired locations
Help clients with rental applications, schedule housing tours, and complete applications including subsidized, shared, inclusionary zoning, and other affordable housing options.
Generate reports and collect data to track the progress and effectiveness of education, employment, and housing navigation programs.

Desired Skills and Qualifications :

The minimum qualifications for employment specialists are a bachelor’s in human resources, business administration, social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, or related service / science disciplines

If necessary and appropriate, an applicant without a bachelor’s degree can meet minimum qualifications by substituting at least three (3) years of work experience in a social service and / or human service field or experience involving engagement with employment hiring practices employment training resources, resume workshops, etc.

One (1) year of experience involving engagement with and conducting appropriate connections of individuals, especially those experiencing homelessness, to employment or employment training services, conducting interviews and resume preparation, or building relationships with employers to hire individuals.

Knowledge of employment hiring practices, employment training resources, interviewing and resume-building skills, relevant DC government resources, the Continuum of Care for individuals experiencing homelessness, and experience working with employers to secure employment for others is preferred.

Experience helping individuals experiencing homelessness locate and move into permanent housing, including landlord engagement, housing search, assistance with applications, etc.

Certification and / or licensure in relevant disciplines (e.g., certified addictions counselor) may also substitute for educational requirements. Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply

Other Terms of Employment :

Candidates must complete a drug test, TB test, sex offender registry check, Child Protection Register, and criminal background check before employment

Full-time, exempt position

Some nights and weekends are required in this position

58,000 - $59,500

Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance

The Wanda Alston Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status or other protected class based on local, state or national regulations.

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Salary : $58,000 - $59,500

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Education, Employment and Housing Specialist

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