DESCRIPTION The Workforce Development Specialist is a frontline staff position responsible for the support ofGrowing Home's Production Assistants (PAs) and Graduates. Two key functions of the positioninclude executing strategies to ensure job placement and Job retention for all program trainees.In addition to job placement and job retention, the Workforce Development staff will providesupport to the overall execution of the Employment Training ("ET") program at Growing Home,Inc. The Workforce Development Specialist reports to the Director and works closely with acommitted group of four other ET staff.
ABOUT GROWING HOME Growing Home is a non-profit urban farm and social enterprise in the Englewood neighborhoodof Chicago. We serve our communities through local, healthy food access and robust workforcedevelopment that has pathways to sustainable careers. Our 12-week person-centered paidemployment training program includes real work experience with transferable skills, a robustclassroom curriculum, and holistic case management and support - all in-house. Our trainingprogram operates four cohorts over a calendar year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and cultivate long-term professional relationships with employers, placementagencies, and temporary agencies to ensure consistent contact for job leads. Makepresentations to businesses within the Chicagoland area to promote Growing Home'sworkforce development programs and to develop new employment opportunities forprogram PAs and graduates. Identify job opportunities and match employer and participant's interests, needs, skills,and experience.
Make contact with employers (existing employer relationships, employernetworks or associations, cold calls, online, and other workforce developmentprograms) Coordinate with PAs and graduates to schedule interviews Follow-up on interviews with PAs and employer
Develop and implement strategies aimed at helping graduates keep their jobs, includingbut not limited to:
Weekly and Monthly in-person check-ins with jobholders Assist job holders in emergency support services (such as car repairs or childcare issues) support hiring managers with on-the-job issues
Assist with employment readiness training, job search assistance, and obtainingpermanent, unsubsidized jobs in high-demand industries. Provide employment guidance and create individual employment plans that outlineparticipants' employment objectives. With the support of the ET team, Coordinate and host engagement events for PAs,graduates, and employer partners
Administrative:
Responsible for tracking and entering data in the Customer Relationship ManagementCRM (Salesforce) systems for all employment placements and retention data for PAsand graduates. Manage the programs Employee Retention Incentive program that gives cash incentivesto jobholders who successfully complete job retention at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days Ensure compliance with grants, contracts, agency, and programmatic standards that aredesigned to meet PAs and graduates' needs. Maintain and submit, placement reports, employer partnership agreements, successstories, calendars/flyers of upcoming events, employment/employer leads, and otherrequired information. Observe and document participants vocational assets and limitations, ability to engagein competitive employment, and need for and ability to benefit from supportedemployment, including natural supports. Utilizes a team approach and works with other program staff in the planning andimplementation of services. Takes increasing responsibility for own professional development, utilizing supervisionand other developmental opportunities within and outside the agency to enhance skillsand understanding. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Commitment to Growing Home's mission and core values Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with a wide variety ofstakeholders in a positive, engaging manner Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational andtime management skills, ability to lead projects, and problem-solve Experience working directly with marginalized populations Experience in classroom facilitation, skills training, and/or curriculumdevelopment Strong computer skills, including using Microsoft Office (excel) and Google Docs. Ability to work some evenings and weekends Some travel for meetings will be required. Must have an aptitude and willingness tonavigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago-area, or a valid driver'slicense The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
EDUCATIONBachelor's degree preferred. At least two years of experience in workforcedevelopment, Human Resources, sales, marketing, or a similar field
Equal Opportunity EmployerGrowing Home is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equalopportunity employer. Growing Home does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status,or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds toapply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at jobs@growinghomeinc.org.