Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

The Workforce Development Specialist is a frontline staff position responsible for the support of Growing Home's Production Assistants (PAs) and Graduates. Two key functions of the position include 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 provide support 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 a committed group of four other ET staff.

Growing Home is a non-profit urban farm and social enterprise in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. We serve our communities through local, healthy food access and robust workforce development that has pathways to sustainable careers. Our 12-week person-centered paid employment training program includes real work experience with transferable skills, a robust classroom curriculum, and holistic case management and support - all in-house. Our training program operates four cohorts over a calendar year.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate long-term professional relationships with employers, placement agencies, and temporary agencies to ensure consistent contact for job leads. Make presentations to businesses within the Chicagoland area to promote Growing Home's workforce development programs and to develop new employment opportunities for program PAs and graduates.
• Identify job opportunities and match employer and participant's interests, needs, skills, and experience.
  • Make contact with employers (existing employer relationships, employer networks or associations, cold calls, online, and other workforce development programs)
  • 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, including but not limited to:
  • Weekly and Monthly in-person check-ins with jobholders
  • Assist job holders in emergency support services (such as car repairs or child care issues)
  • Support hiring managers with on-the-job issues
• Assist with employment readiness training, job search assistance, and obtaining permanent, unsubsidized jobs in high-demand industries.
• Provide employment guidance and create individual employment plans that outline participants' 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 Management CRM (Salesforce) systems for all employment placements and retention data for PAs and graduates.
• Manage the programs Employee Retention Incentive program that gives cash incentives to jobholders who successfully complete job retention at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days
• Ensure compliance with grants, contracts, agency, and programmatic standards that are designed to meet PAs and graduates' needs.
• Maintain and submit, placement reports, employer partnership agreements, success stories, calendars/flyers of upcoming events, employment/employer leads, and other required information.
• Observe and document participants' vocational assets and limitations, ability to engage in competitive employment, and need for and ability to benefit from supported employment, including natural supports.
• Utilizes a team approach and works with other program staff in the planning and implementation of services.
• Takes increasing responsibility for own professional development, utilizing supervision and other developmental opportunities within and outside the agency to enhance skills and 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 of stakeholders in a positive, engaging manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational and time management skills, ability to lead projects, and problem-solve
• Experience working directly with marginalized populations
• Experience in classroom facilitation, skills training, and/or curriculum development
• 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 to navigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago-area, or a valid driver's license
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Education Bachelor's degree preferred. At least two years of experience in workforce development, Human Resources, sales, marketing, or a similar field

Equal Opportunity Employer Growing Home is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Growing Home does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, 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 to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at jobs@growinghomeinc.org.