Reports To: Workforce Development Manager - Job Overview The Lead WFD (Workforce Development) Specialist's primary responsibility is to help individuals experiencing homelessness residing at the Urban Ministries shelter to maximize their income and work towards financial self-reliance. The Lead WFD Specialist’s work will involve direct provision of employment services to clients, as well as administrative and co-leadership tasks to assist the WFD Manager in running the Workforce department. Client-facing responsibilities will include providing individualized career coaching, job search assistance, and referrals to other employment-related programs in the area, as well as supporting clients' professional and financial development in broader ways such as one-on-one personal finance coaching. 

Administrative/leadership responsibilities will include assisting the WFD Manager with the following: managing department data, ensuring client compliance with department policies, developing and implementing new department procedures/programs as needed, cultivating and maintaining relationships with partner agencies, and helping the WFD Manager to provide support and oversight to other department staff and/or student interns. The WFD Specialist must be able to interact well with people who come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and life experiences, handle sensitive interpersonal situations skillfully, and respond effectively to unexpected situations while staying committed to the overarching goal of helping clients work towards a better future. Successful performance in this role may lead to advancement to a related role with greater responsibilities. 

Responsibilities and Duties Client-facing services: • Provide individualized career coaching to clients experiencing homelessness who are often also experiencing multiple barriers to securing stable gainful employment. Complete an initial assessment to determine the individual client's needs and strengths, and conduct regular follow-up meetings to ensure the client continues making progress toward their employment goals. • Provide employment preparation services such as creating/revising resumes and cover letters, assisting clients with job applications, and conducting mock interviews. • Determine whether clients are a good fit for a referral to partner organizations and support clients’ participation in partner programs. • Communicate with employers to verify employment status and work schedules once clients become employed. • Conduct one-on-one financial education sessions including coaching clients through the process of opening a bank account, and collaborating with clients to create individualized budgets. • Accurately document all services provided to clients and assist with data collection to demonstrate the impact of the department's services. • Stay connected to the Durham job market and maintain an up-to-date awareness of which businesses/industries are hiring most urgently. • On rare occasions, may need to transport a client to or from an employment-related event such as a job fair or interview. 

Leadership/administrative duties: • Serve as the main point of contact for partner organizations and employers in the community. Maintain strong relationships with existing partners, and seek new partners for development of new relationships. Represent the department at meetings and networking events with community partners. • Collaborate with WFD Manager to develop new programming initiatives as needed and continually improve the quality of services offered by the WFD department. • Assist WFD Manager in providing mentorship, support, and oversight to other Workforce team member(s) and/or student interns. • Maintain effective communication and collaboration with other Urban Ministries departments including Case Management and Shelter Operations. • Manage Excel and Google Sheets spreadsheets to keep track of department data. 

Qualifications • Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop positive working relationships with clients • Ability to tailor services to individual client needs • Sense of initiative and interest in improving existing department procedures/developing new department procedures to meet changing needs • Familiarity and skill with Microsoft Office and Google Drive • Ability to build relationships with partner organizations in the community, including both other service providers and local businesses that could potentially employ clients • Ability to collaborate with other departments within Urban Ministries of Durham to provide coordinated, comprehensive support to clients • Ability to balance empathy and compassion for clients with maintaining boundaries and ensuring client accountability • Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred but not required • At least 2 years’ experience with people management is strongly preferred • Valid NC driver's license required.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. You must include a cover letter with your application to be considered for this position. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $20-$22 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Health insurance • Paid time off Schedule: • 8 hour shift • Day shift (occasional evenings when needed) • Monday to Friday.  Application Question(s): • What draws you to working in Durham? • Why do you want to work at a homeless shelter? • In your opinion, what are some root causes of homelessness? • Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license? Ability to Relocate: • Durham, NC 27701: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person