Career Specialist-CareerWorks

Accepting Applications until Filled

Who We Are

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income people to become self-reliant through integrated services. When joining PPL, you become a part of a diverse team whose goal is to assist our residents and communities with the groundwork they need not only to survive but also to thrive. We are eager to welcome others to our team who are dedicated to serving our residents and pursuing our mission to build the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative, affordable housing and employment readiness services.

Job Summary

PPL is looking for a talented, people-person dedicated to serving the community, with strong communication, collaboration, and organizational/time management skills, to join its CareerWorks/WIOA Program. This position is located at PPL’s offices at 800 W. Broadway. The CS will work closely with PPL and North CareerForce Center staff by providing valuable individualized career counseling services for adults looking to improve, update, or gain new employment skills. Core responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and outreach, identifying participant eligibility and enrollment, 1:1 coaching, and providing wrap-around support services to participants. Managing and maintaining accurate and compliant digital record-keeping of participant files and progress is essential. Ultimately, the Career Specialist’s primary goal is to ensure employment placement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized career counseling services for adults looking to improve, update, or gain new employment skills with an active caseload of approximately 45 people.
• Reach out to and follow-up with participants regularly to get updates on participant job status, training progress, job search needs, and employment goals.
• Provide 1:1 job retention/follow-up services for participants placed in employment through CareerWorks. This includes monthly calls and/or face-to-face meetings.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes for all participants, including reporting at specified intervals using the WorkForce One database.
• Maintain accurate digital files and database records for all participants, including updating, editing, or fixing files as required by audits.
• Meet weekly with the Manager to provide updates, consults, and reports as needed.
• Maintain professional communication with participants, partners, and co-workers. Professional communication means timely responses, providing requested information as necessary from internal staff, partners, and other employment services organizations.
• Ensure participant goals, preferences, and achievements are reflected accurately in verbal and written communications.
• Assist in coordinating and implementing program changes, meetings, and events as needed.
• Provide intervention and referrals to participants on work-related issues, resume support, and partner collaboration.
• Provide career readiness/job search support for walk-ins at the North CareerForce Center.
• Attend partner meetings and provide program updates.
• Participate in Placement and Retention meetings with other Employment Specialists.
• Participate in various PPL committees/meetings as needed.
  
  

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities: While the following tasks are necessary for the unit's work, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other members.

• Answer and route telephone calls and miscellaneous questions from employees, clients, vendors, and the public, and provide customer service.
• Support PPL work and mission by accepting assignments for special projects, committees, etc.
• Provide information on assigned functions.
• Perform related administrative duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
• Ability to pivot quickly, prioritize tasks and services, and work effectively with ambiguity.
• Strong desire to serve diverse cultures and adults with employment barriers.
• Strong ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Knowledge of community programs and resources for participants with barriers to employment.
• Reliable transportation.
  
  

Minimum Technology Qualifications

• Strong computer and database skills/willingness to learn these skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Zoom, Teams, and online meeting platforms.
• Ability to use office equipment including telephone and voicemail system, copier, printer, fax machine, and scanner.
• Ability to access and navigate online databases.
• Ability to use MS Outlook.
• Ability to navigate the internet and electronic timecard system.
• Ability to navigate computer networks (files, drives, and folders).
  
  

A detailed job description is available upon request or when selected for the next phase of the hiring process.

Education and/or Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Human Services or related field. (Additional experience may substitute for education).
• 1-2 years’ experience in Employment Services or other related field.
  
  

Benefits: Health & Dental; Employer Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; Paid Parental Leave; Voluntary Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA); PTO and paid Holidays; 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match; Summer half-day Fridays; an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

Salary: $21.63-$23.56 Hr., DOQ

PPL's work is now a Hybrid Model, with 60% of the workweek spent in the office or onsite at satellite locations. Our hybrid model refers to the split between working in the office (60%) and working at home (40%).

Benefits Based on Eligibility: Health & Dental; Employer Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; Paid Parental Leave; Voluntary Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA); PTO & Paid Holidays; 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match; Summer half-day Fridays; an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates can apply online. The hiring process includes phone screens, in-person interviews, references, and background checks for final candidates. Please include a cover letter and resume.

PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve, those who are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PPL is an EEO/AA employer. PPL participates in the federal E-verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.