Career Program Specialist

Job Title: Career Program Specialist Department: Program Operations Reports To: Program Manager FLSA Status: Non-exempt FUNDING NOTICE: This position is funded by grants and other agency funds and will require additional responsibilities as directed by the supervisor, department director or COO. This position will be reviewed by March 31st annually to determine funding availability in the new fiscal year beginning July 1st annually.   WORKING SCHEDULE: Norfolk Center hours of operation are 8:30 – 4:00 pm Monday – Thursday; 8:30 – 12:00 pm Friday. Some weekend and evening hours required as determined by the supervisor. Locations subject to change. SUMMARY Performs social work, mobility case management and employment services for individuals and families served by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), a regional Community Action Agency. This position involves serving as a subject matter expert, a coach that will utilize the Whole Family Approach model, counseling and assessing the needs of individuals and families, coordinating the provision of needed services, and maintaining case records (paper and electronic). This position is responsible for cross-training with other agency programs and services to ensure that individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by providing services and connecting to various Service Provider Network programs and all local Departments of Social Services served by the HRCAP. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN CAREER PROGRAM SPECIALIST include the following: Establish new employer relationships and maintain existing relationships with employers to secure unsubsidized employment. Develop work sites for individuals enrolled in HRCAP work experience programs. Teach weekly job readiness classes. Administer various vocational assessments to include: personality assessments, interest assessments, aptitude and skills assessments, work values assessments and transferable skills assessments. Screens and match individuals with employment opportunities based on skill, work experience, hobbies, and interest. Coordinate transportation services for individuals attending meetings as requested. Provide travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all customers. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties within the scope of this position may be assigned. Manages intense caseload and coordinates internal and external services for assigned families. Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assess needs of households and determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients regularly, assigns clients to activities aligned with individual and household development plans. Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using EmpowOR Client Management System. Establishes and monitors individual and household development plan goals through information and assessment of client background. Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reason and need for assistance. Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability. Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential Workforce Development Programs. Processes intake applications for necessary community resources and diversion. Coordinates and participates in out of office visits with family members and other professionals. Prepares referrals for families requiring assistance; collaborates with Service Provider Network and other agencies or professionals as needed. Maintains current listing community resources in empowOR. Prepares and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions with clients by entering data into empowOR Client Management System. Prepares and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client activity reports, service plans, assessment instruments, needs assessments, purchase orders, invoices, applications, funding reports, charts, or other documents. Operates several technology tools (desktop, laptop, tablet, cellphone, hotspot, etc.) to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections. Utilize MS Office, empowOR Client Management System, e-mail, internet, other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as replacing paper, ink, or toner. Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members, companion aides, Newport News Human Services, government agencies, counselors, medical provides, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys, schools, Service Provider Network, professional colleagues, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate activities, review status of household plans, exchange information, or resolve problems. Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities. Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail. Cross trained to support agency operations as directed by the supervisor. May be responsible for performing other program duties as the agency receives new programs/grants. Performs other related duties as directed by the supervisor. Represent the organization in professional, civic, and community groups as requested by the CEO.