Career Coach

$20,800 - $20,800/Yr

Metropolitan Family Services - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Social Assistance

About the position

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Career Coach to join our team in Chicago, IL. This full-time position is integral to our mission of empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive. As a Career Coach, you will play a vital role in providing outreach to engage clients on a Self-Sufficiency caseload, performing situational assessments, and facilitating vocational explorations. Your efforts will ensure that 100% of clients assessed are referred to job readiness training, external workforce partners, or direct job placements. You will observe and document clients' vocational assets and limitations, helping them to engage in competitive employment and identify their needs for supported employment, including natural supports. In this role, you will develop, implement, and monitor Individual Employment Plans tailored to each client's unique situation. You will coordinate and communicate with referral sources, community agencies, and providers to ensure clients receive the necessary support. A key responsibility will be to refer clients to job readiness training, with a goal that 90% of those who complete the training will show improved workforce readiness and career awareness. You will assist in placing 30% of non-working adults into permanent, unsubsidized jobs in high-demand industries, with an average earning of $10.00 per hour for those placed. Your responsibilities will also include providing work support and referrals, monitoring the retention of employment placements at various intervals, and maintaining contact with employers to address any barriers or concerns. You will follow up with clients and referral sources to ensure successful completion of services, assist residents in applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and handle emergency and crisis situations as they arise. Additionally, you will work within contract, grant, and program requirements, ensuring compliance with timelines and reporting obligations. As a Career Coach, you will utilize a team approach, collaborating with other program staff in planning and implementing services. You will have the opportunity to take increasing responsibility for your professional development, utilizing supervision and other developmental opportunities to enhance your skills and understanding. This position requires effective collaboration with diverse staff and service populations, and strong organizational skills, including proficiency in Excel to track economic self-sufficiency data. You will be required to work one Saturday and at least one late night each month.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach to engage targeted Self-Sufficiency caseload.
• Perform situational assessments and vocational explorations.
• Refer 100% of clients assessed to job readiness training, external workforce partners, or direct job placement.
• Observe and document consumers' vocational assets and limitations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Employment Plans.
• Coordinate and communicate with referral sources, community agencies, and providers.
• Refer clients to job readiness training and ensure 90% of attendees improve workforce readiness.
• Assist 30% of non-working adults in obtaining permanent, unsubsidized jobs in high-demand industries.
• Provide work support and referrals to clients.
• Monitor retention of employment placements at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days.
• Contact employers as needed to address barriers or concerns.
• Follow up with clients and referral sources to ensure successful completion of services.
• Assist residents in applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Handle emergency and crisis situations with residents.
• Work within contract, grant, and program requirements, meeting timelines and reporting requirements.
• Utilize a team approach with other program staff in planning and implementation of services.
• Authorize limited amounts of financial assistance to clients with supervisory approval.
• Take responsibility for professional development and enhance skills through supervision and other opportunities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent education and six (6) years of training or demonstrated experience in providing workforce development/case management services for at-risk populations, required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, Business, Communications, or a related field and three (3) years of training or demonstrated experience in providing workforce development/case management services for at-risk populations, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and goal setting, required.
• Certified Workforce Development Professional Certificate preferred or must secure it within 1 year of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and job market trends.

Benefits

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options.
• 12 paid Holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 401K Plan.
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E-Learning.
• Wellness Initiative Program.
• Employee Assistance Network.