Upward Bound House
Employment/Economic Empowerment Specialist
Upward Bound House, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the cycle of intergenerational family homelessness. We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention. With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness. Our diverse team is passionate about our mission. UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication. UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is under the Thriving Families Program (TF). TF is designed for families to obtain self-sufficiency by teaching them critical skills that empower them to resolve crises and avoid future hardships while achieving long-term stability, including employment and economic goals. The position will work with families to assess participant's interest, abilities, and personality characteristics, for vocational planning purposes and developing and executing job placements. The program's primary objectives are to motivate clients through financial education, academic and employment retention support, asset-building opportunities, and community linkages.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Identify strengths and areas of improvement for new clients and working clients as needed, through information and assessments.Completes the discovery process, determining personal attributes, interests, skills, talents, and preferences, resulting in a solid profile for program participants.Develops a personalized plan and determines vocational, educational and/or employment opportunities in conjunction with participants, to create and maintain a clearly written Thriving Family Stabilization Plan to include educational, housing, and employment goals.Assists participants with educational support including high school completion, online educational opportunities, college preparedness programs, college scholarships etc.Develops vocational educational relationships with trade schools, community colleges etc. and connect participants as appropriate.Generates employment opportunities for participants through regular employer contacts, public relations, and community interaction. Follows up on leads with potential employers and develops jobs.Assists with ongoing job development including but not limited to: resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, individual job searches, job coaching, preference assessments etc.Conduct financial literacy workshops and awards families who complete the financial literacy program.Works with TF team in the implementation of the savings program and UBH match.Support clients in achieving realistic stabilization goals by coordinating supportive services tailored to meet family needs.Encourage clients to work with community partners and utilize local resources that will support the clients' growth.Engages clients in regular meetings, trainings, and events to further develop clients' skills for self-sufficiency.Facilitate relationships with internal and external community entities that will support clients' goals including but not limited to educational institutions, employment and work source centers, etc.Serves as a positive role model to participant, modeling appropriate self-sustaining skills, behavior and social interaction.Supports participants in locating, applying, and partaking in the appropriate programs, trainings, and/or institutions to achieve individualized goals as identified in the Thriving Family Stabilization Plan.Provides services/interventions to empower participants in retaining employment, academic achievement, and overall family functioning betterment. Interventions may include counseling, advocacy, job coaching, skill training, assessment and referral.Participates in training to improve skills in the use of structured training techniques for supportive services in education, employment, and life skills.Collects & documents "success" verifications from participants (i.e. academic enrollment, training certificates, employment offer letters, etc.)Research and remain informed on opportunities that can benefit clients including, but not limited to job fairs, educational trainings, seminars, etc.Identifies potential employers with a focus on developing employment opportunities for program participants.Identifies areas where participants can apply to obtain or increase entitlement benefits such as Calfresh, CalWorks, SSI/DI, etc.Works collaboratively with UBH's case management and housing team members to eliminate participant barriers that can interfere with the Thriving Family Stabilization Plan.Documents and maintains current information on services provided to participants in the agency's client tracking database and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).Participates in regular case conferencing meetings and attends staff trainings as required.Maintains electronic and hard copy case records in participant file.Prepares regular written reports of clients' activities as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in human services or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully.Three years' experience providing services to persons experiencing homelessness or at risk population, including experience working with youth.Knowledge of: general goals and purposes of public social services programs; techniques for interviewing and gathering information from varied populations; arithmetic skills sufficient to interpret participant income and expense information to identify general eligibility for services and benefits within program requirements.Demonstrated experience working with challenging populations; including those with criminal backgrounds, mental health, chemical dependency, emotional/behavioral issues, special education, and/or literacy issues.Ability to read, apply, interpret, and explain State and Federal regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned employment program areas and program guidelines.Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as time management skills.Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery.Strong ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate conflict and/or crisis situations.Experience using a data management system to record client information and interactions.Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care and Practices a plus.Ability to work collaboratively, but independently.Ability to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and sometimes demanding or chaotic environment.Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts and listen.Exceptional organizational skills.Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness; must demonstrate cultural competency. Experience in Special Education, Alternative Education or related programs, a plus.Employment with UBH is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Employment Eligibility VerificationReliable transportationUpdated tuberculosis testSuccessful completion of background screeningMust have Valid CA Driver's LicenseMust provide proof of insurance coverageRESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES
Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times.Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues.Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines.Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others.Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication.Work with average supervision.Perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations Employee is required to:
Walk and climb stairs; Handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically transport clients; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs. Be subjected to outside environmental conditions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Human Resources Department by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform the Human Resources Department of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.
Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the cycle of intergenerational family homelessness. We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention. With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness. Our diverse team is passionate about our mission. UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication. UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is under the Thriving Families Program (TF). TF is designed for families to obtain self-sufficiency by teaching them critical skills that empower them to resolve crises and avoid future hardships while achieving long-term stability, including employment and economic goals. The position will work with families to assess participant's interest, abilities, and personality characteristics, for vocational planning purposes and developing and executing job placements. The program's primary objectives are to motivate clients through financial education, academic and employment retention support, asset-building opportunities, and community linkages.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Identify strengths and areas of improvement for new clients and working clients as needed, through information and assessments.Completes the discovery process, determining personal attributes, interests, skills, talents, and preferences, resulting in a solid profile for program participants.Develops a personalized plan and determines vocational, educational and/or employment opportunities in conjunction with participants, to create and maintain a clearly written Thriving Family Stabilization Plan to include educational, housing, and employment goals.Assists participants with educational support including high school completion, online educational opportunities, college preparedness programs, college scholarships etc.Develops vocational educational relationships with trade schools, community colleges etc. and connect participants as appropriate.Generates employment opportunities for participants through regular employer contacts, public relations, and community interaction. Follows up on leads with potential employers and develops jobs.Assists with ongoing job development including but not limited to: resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, individual job searches, job coaching, preference assessments etc.Conduct financial literacy workshops and awards families who complete the financial literacy program.Works with TF team in the implementation of the savings program and UBH match.Support clients in achieving realistic stabilization goals by coordinating supportive services tailored to meet family needs.Encourage clients to work with community partners and utilize local resources that will support the clients' growth.Engages clients in regular meetings, trainings, and events to further develop clients' skills for self-sufficiency.Facilitate relationships with internal and external community entities that will support clients' goals including but not limited to educational institutions, employment and work source centers, etc.Serves as a positive role model to participant, modeling appropriate self-sustaining skills, behavior and social interaction.Supports participants in locating, applying, and partaking in the appropriate programs, trainings, and/or institutions to achieve individualized goals as identified in the Thriving Family Stabilization Plan.Provides services/interventions to empower participants in retaining employment, academic achievement, and overall family functioning betterment. Interventions may include counseling, advocacy, job coaching, skill training, assessment and referral.Participates in training to improve skills in the use of structured training techniques for supportive services in education, employment, and life skills.Collects & documents "success" verifications from participants (i.e. academic enrollment, training certificates, employment offer letters, etc.)Research and remain informed on opportunities that can benefit clients including, but not limited to job fairs, educational trainings, seminars, etc.Identifies potential employers with a focus on developing employment opportunities for program participants.Identifies areas where participants can apply to obtain or increase entitlement benefits such as Calfresh, CalWorks, SSI/DI, etc.Works collaboratively with UBH's case management and housing team members to eliminate participant barriers that can interfere with the Thriving Family Stabilization Plan.Documents and maintains current information on services provided to participants in the agency's client tracking database and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).Participates in regular case conferencing meetings and attends staff trainings as required.Maintains electronic and hard copy case records in participant file.Prepares regular written reports of clients' activities as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in human services or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully.Three years' experience providing services to persons experiencing homelessness or at risk population, including experience working with youth.Knowledge of: general goals and purposes of public social services programs; techniques for interviewing and gathering information from varied populations; arithmetic skills sufficient to interpret participant income and expense information to identify general eligibility for services and benefits within program requirements.Demonstrated experience working with challenging populations; including those with criminal backgrounds, mental health, chemical dependency, emotional/behavioral issues, special education, and/or literacy issues.Ability to read, apply, interpret, and explain State and Federal regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned employment program areas and program guidelines.Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as time management skills.Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery.Strong ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate conflict and/or crisis situations.Experience using a data management system to record client information and interactions.Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care and Practices a plus.Ability to work collaboratively, but independently.Ability to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and sometimes demanding or chaotic environment.Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts and listen.Exceptional organizational skills.Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness; must demonstrate cultural competency. Experience in Special Education, Alternative Education or related programs, a plus.Employment with UBH is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Employment Eligibility VerificationReliable transportationUpdated tuberculosis testSuccessful completion of background screeningMust have Valid CA Driver's LicenseMust provide proof of insurance coverageRESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES
Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times.Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues.Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines.Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others.Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication.Work with average supervision.Perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations Employee is required to:
Walk and climb stairs; Handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically transport clients; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs. Be subjected to outside environmental conditions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Human Resources Department by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform the Human Resources Department of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.