137 - Job Developer/ Case Worker in Buffalo, New York at The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc

JOB SUMMARY

This position establishes and maintains activities to develop, locate, and secure job openings for CAO clients, markets programs, and coordinates job resources. Provides support to clients on an individual basis to remove obstacles to facilitate obtaining and sustaining employment and/or training opportunities. Manages a case load of job seeking clients by providing counseling, referrals, job training, and job placement assistance. Advocates for clients by working with the courts, probation officers, and social workers. Assess needs and identifies resources to ensure clients are receiving all available services. Acts as a focal point to clients and service providers to resolve issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

Job Development/Employer Support

• Initiate and maintain ongoing professional contact and relationships with a variety of company and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies to promote the services of the organization.
• Make cold calls to potential employers and explain the benefits and employment support services provided by CAO to employers, including addressing employer’s customized needs.
• Research the internet, newspapers, agencies, and other resources for job leads.
• Collect data from employers related to job orders including job requirements and skills.
• Match job skills with applicant qualifications and refer them to employers. Conducts necessary follow-up when applicants are placed in positions.
• Remain updated on job fairs and internet resources and participates in outreach and recruitment activities by coordinating and attending job fairs.

Program Support

• Assist clients in assessing their job skills for position including assistance with job applications, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Provide job search and career information workshops and presentations.
• Provide labor market and community resource information
• Monitor client performance on the job and provide guidance when job performance is not satisfactory.
• Maintain contact with employers during the client’s employment.
• Prepare forms and reports related to placement activities, tracks client activity and progress data electronically and maintains detailed case management files.

Communications

• Provide program information to various businesses and updates information as needed.
• Serve as a member of various committees
• Assist in the development of flyers, brochures, social media posts, and other methods to advertise job placement activities.
• Coordinate job fairs and promotional materials to be distributed to employers and jobseekers.
• Remains current with trends and maintains contacts with various colleges, trade schools, apprentice programs, and professional/community organizations that are involved in job placement and/or training activities.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED with Associate’s Degree preferred.
• Three (3) years’ experience in employment placement and counseling.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience of successful grant writing in the non-profit sector

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with at-risk and vulnerable populations.
• Experience in technical writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for job development and client placement.
• Familiar with local labor market trends and employment opportunities in the public and private sectors in the Western New York area.
• Strong presentation, sales, and social media skills.
• Strong commitment in maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with client base, government, education, and community-based organizations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:

• Must have reliable transportation with the ability to travel throughout Western New York.
• Must be able to read, write reports, and speak effectively with a diverse community.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time while occasionally walking and standing.
• Must have hand, finger coordination and be able to reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to life/move up to 25 pounds.

Application Requirements:

• Physical examination record or pass physical examination by a CAO physician
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and proof of motor vehicle insurance coverage
• Completion of the following documents:
  • CAO Employment application
  • NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
  • Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Fingerprinting required.
  • Release for Reference Checks

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.