TITLE: Workforce Navigator
DEPT: Individual Supported Employment
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs
STATUS: Full Time(35 hours per week) Non-Exempt
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: Employment at Kuhn Employment Opportunities is at will. This means that the employment relationship is terminable, with or without cause or notice, by either party for any reason or for no reason. No one associated with Kuhn Employment Opportunities has the authority to make any promises contrary to this at-will definition.
Summary:
The Workforce Navigator will be responsible for assisting and/or making the necessary linkages for program participants to select a career path, enroll in any needed training to gain necessary skills for their chosen profession and obtain and maintain a position. This involves but, is not limited to, career planning, assistance with training registration, job matching, job development and placement, and follow-up support for program participants. Must be able to provide employment related support to individuals with a wide range of skills/abilities. The Workforce Navigator will also be responsible for creating activities designed to further prepare individuals within the Group Supported Employment Program for a higher level of independence. This will include the development and presentation of periodic evening Informational Sessions for individuals and their families to address the barriers to employment.
Must be able to be flexible with work schedule to meet the needs of program participants and their employers. Must be able to communicate effectively with staff at other service provider agencies and training providers to coordinate effective service delivery to program participants.
Position requires personal vehicle use related to some participant transportation needs. Kuhn offers mileage reimbursement for this purpose and for all business use needs.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Essential Duties/Functions:
This position requires such typical work operations and responsibilities as, but not limited to:
- Establishing and maintaining contacts with business and industry; ensuring job development; maintain written records of such contacts.
- Providing counseling and support to identify/establish vocational goals and job interests of the participant and assist them with obtaining any training necessary to gain the skills to succeed in their chosen field.
- Obtaining employment opportunities for program participants via job development activities and maintaining effective communication with employers.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with area training providers such as local community colleges, adult education programs, American Job Center, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, etc. to facilitate the enrollment of participants in training necessary to obtain skills in their chosen career field.
- Assisting participants with accessing financial aid and/or connecting with disability rights supports for any needed accommodations to help them complete their chosen career training.
- Develop and plan activities and curriculum to further develop independent skills for work.
- Facilitate activities designed for participants to enhance independent work skills.
- Develop and implement informational sessions for individuals and families which focus on overcoming barriers for work.
- Assist participants to develop job seeking skills to successfully obtain employment.
- Providing transportation for program participants in personal vehicle during the job development process or in other circumstances when public transportation cannot be arranged.
- Providing follow-up services to ensure job retention, as well as, ongoing supports to promote independence; assisting participants, in conjunction with other service providers, to maintain a balance in his/her life with regard to work and other issues.
- Representing Kuhn at seminars/conferences such as trade and human services sponsored training events, staying abreast of latest human services approaches/techniques and labor market trends.
- Advocating and communicating with other social services agencies, employers, training providers, families, and co-workers with regard to confidentiality and participant needs.
- Maintaining current and confidential record keeping systems including updating contact notes and tracking the progress of participants in meeting their training and employment goals.
- Work private sector hours, i.e.: evenings, early mornings, split shifts, holidays if necessary to support employers/ employees and to provide informational sessions for family members.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Other Duties:
- The person holding this position may also perform related duties such as participating in participant centered meetings; participating in Kuhn committees; participating in community events and organizations; assisting with positive publicity and other miscellaneous duties as needed. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES are shared by all staff on an as needed basis and are not necessarily assigned.
- Works with and assists others as required. Performs additional duties at the request of the management.
- Responsible for performing work duties in a safe manner, adhering to all established safety procedures and providing input into enhancing overall company safety.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation, Human Services or related field OR combination of a 4 year degree in a non-related field with related work experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary. Specific types of experience may be preferred depending upon the caseload of participants assigned.
- Obtain and/or maintain CPR and PMT certification/First Aid Training
- Valid Connecticut driver’s license
- Available means of transportation.
- Personal automobile insurance in force on personal vehicle for work- related use.
- Possesses basic computer skills.
Physical Requirements:
Light to medium physical activity based on the job supports that may be necessary for participants on occasion. Ability to sit, stand, walk and drive. Ability to communicate with employers, supervisors, coworkers and other professional staff. Ability to drive own vehicle for work-related purposes.
***Offers of employment are contingent upon the return of background information that is fully consistent with the strict hiring criteria of Kuhn.***
***All Kuhn Employment Opportunity employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.***
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.