Program Coordinator/Job Developer

Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc.

Job Description

Do you have excellent interpersonal, computer, writing, and research skills? Are you able to make detailed assessments of employable skills to connect people with suitable employment opportunities? Are you a great facilitator and leader? We want to talk to you! 
We are looking for are seeking the right person to help us implement an innovative and comprehensive Human Services Training Program that helps people interested in joining the human services field to receive an outstanding training experience, and to then to assist these job seekers to find and retain employment in the Human/Social Services industry across Massachusetts. 

Responsibilities:
You will meet virtually to facilitate workshops, interview, select and meet with candidates, set employment goals, create supporting documents such as cover letters and resumes, and assist with interview prep and job readiness activities.  Ideally you will be excited to share your creativity, confidence, and kindness with job seekers who may be facing barriers to employment.
 
Activities include:
 
·      Organize and monitor class sessions in a virtual environment (help confirm and organized a series of outstanding speakers; you will sometimes introduce them and then be there to offer comments and support, sometimes you will facilitate the 4-hour workshop yourself, including class sessions focusing on resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
 
·      Quickly develop & maintain trusting, supportive relationships with job seekers, through a thoughtful interview process that determines class and work readiness, and then through ongoing support throughout the training until and after they find the right position in Human Services.

  • Process application and intake paperwork in Docusign, manage Google Classroom materials and class activities.

·      Individually coach job seekers to help improve their job and communication skills through 1:1 discussion, mock interviews, and supporting them when they apply (and sometimes don’t get) positions that seem most suited to their interests, talents, and job requirements. Provide long-term support in helping individuals achieve competitive career goals.

·      Develop relationships with partnering agencies that will potentially hire students upon completion of the training. Attend and present at informational sessions as needed to promote the program. · Encourage employers to participate in our virtual job fair and Panel of human Service Workers. Follow-up with them after training and send resumes of graduates interested in applying for open positions.
 
  • Provide resource and referral information to accepted students who need access to community and social services which improve success during the training and in the workplace – i.e. assistance obtaining child care, transportation, food/utility assistance, health insurance, etc.
  • Maintain case notes and assist with quarterly grant progress reports.
 
The Ideal Candidate is:
  • Passionate about human services and advancing Polus Center’s mission and guiding principles, and is knowledgeable and aligned with the philosophies of Human Services we hope to convey (such as person-centered support, social role valorization inclusion, social justice)
·       Is flexible, motivated, supportive and cooperative, has a “do what it takes” approach
  • Great communicator, whether on the phone, via email, on zoom meetings and facilitating workshops     
  • Enthusiastic about working independently (is a self-starter) and working collaboratively as a (primarily virtual) team
  • Organized and reliable, able to balance priorities independently working remotely.  
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional and/or life experience required, Masters’ preferred. 
  • At least five years of experience (as a professional, volunteer, intern, etc.) working in human/social service environment preferred but equivalent experience in other fields considered.
  • Strong project management and public speaking skills.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership qualities, ability to reach out to candidates and employers with passion for the program that encourages people to want to participate.
  • Prior experience with job development and employment supports a plus.
  • Knowledge of Social Role Valorization (SRV) and other social models of supporting vulnerable people a big plus.
  • Ability to think creatively to overcome challenges with a positive outlook required! 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, One Drive, Google Classroom, and Docusign (and/or aptitude to learn and use software).
Work environment
Most of this work can be done remotely via phone, email, and zoom and is intended for someone who is able to work independently along with our small team. You will be asked to meet in person as well occasionally, though, to conduct information sessions, meetings, and outreach events. We put Worcester MA because the template required us to choose, but the work is done from your home/office with the requirement to travel occasionally anywhere in the state. 
This is a full-time 30-hour position with benefits. Compensation starts at $25/hour depending on experience and skill level and insurance requirements.
Please visit our website, www.poluscenter.org prior to applying. Please send resume and cover letter to tkane@poluscenter.org.