Project Blue Employment Coordinator

Annual Salary: $50,000

Position Summary

The Employment Coordinator will have significant responsibility for the implementation of the Project Blue workforce development program and will work closely with clients enrolled in the program. The Employment Coordinator will provide workforce readiness services to support clients who experience employment barriers because of a criminal history. This includes assisting clients with workforce readiness skills, job training, and job search with the goal of helping clients achieve stable, gainful employment. The Employment Coordinator will work closely with the entire Project Blue team to empower clients of the program to have the skills and confidence to thrive as active participants in the workforce. 

Essential Functions

• Employment Coordinators have the vision and passion to support the development, implementation, and growth of all aspects of the Workforce Development Program.

• Provide the following services for clients of the Workforce Development Program:

  • Conduct in reach to recruit clients who are eligible and in need of employment services.

  • Provide direct services to clients through regular case management meetings.

  • Assess clients’ employment needs, situations, personal strengths and support networks to determine their goals. Develop plans to increase clients’ employability, productivity and stability.

  • Help clients navigate the challenges that come with having a criminal background: unemployment, employment discrimination, removal from education, and legal difficulties.

  • Research and refer clients to local employers and workforce development programs.

  • Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved.

  • Refer clients to and liaise with Legal Aid of Buffalo as necessary.

  • Monitor and track milestones in client participation, such as employment acquisition, completion of certificates, increased wages, and avoiding recidivism.

  • Ensure data quality, accuracy of client files and records, complete paperwork and comprehensive outcomes tracking in the areas of employment, case management, goal setting and client progress, program intake and exit, meetings, legal assistance and client interactions for internal and external purposes including: coordination of services, program impact evaluation, billing, grant tracking, compliance and legal considerations.

  • Communicate with family members and businesses on a regular basis or as needed to resolve potential difficulties.

• Attend monthly staff meetings and weekly one-on-ones with supervisor (focused on Project Blue clients), and actively participate in "Program Development Meeting" and all-staff meetings.

• Provide support to other direct service staff and/or programs based on expertise or background.

• Ensure safety and security of clients, staff and volunteers. Ensure that all red flag incidents or concerns related to program clients are reported to the appropriate authority as well as the Director immediately and that the incident or concern is properly documented.

• Ensure that all clients are treated fairly and with respect and that programs maintain an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people.

• Establish relationships with employers and community partyners to develop paid and/or unpaid internships, mentorships, apprenticeships, job clubs, work site visits, job placement, or other job exploration modalities.

• Actively engage and energize staff members, volunteers, board members, committees, partnering organizations, donors, and grant funders.

• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• At least two years' experience working in a program or organization serving high-risk individuals OR job development.
• Interest in social justice, legal advocacy, prisoner reentry, and/or workforce development.
• Experience with individuals and groups related to case managment, workforce development, education, or life skills.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate will be a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.

• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job. Position requires travel within Erie County.

• Must be able to pass criminal background and child and adult maltreatment screens and a preemployment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work time may be evenly split between office settings or outside meetings. Limited local travel is required. Light physical effort in an office environment
• Frequent computer use
• Primarily sedentary work with occasional bending and reaching
• Maintain a high energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word as well
• Regularly required to read and write clearly
   

Job Benefits

• Semi flexible scheduling
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Health, Vision, and Dental Benefits
• Part time remote

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