Employment Specialist- Naz Partnership

Accepting applications until filled

Who We Are

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income people to become self-reliant through integrated services. When joining PPL, you become a part of a diverse team whose person-centered approach to services ensures individuals and families receive the housing and ecosystem of support they need to achieve greater stability now and for the next generation. We are eager to welcome new team members dedicated to serving our residents and pursuing our mission to build the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative, affordable housing and employment readiness services. PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve that are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities.

Job Summary :

The Employment Specialist-NAZ Partnership will provide employment placement, retention, and career laddering services to NAZ families. This role will assist participants in navigating the adult basic education and post-secondary education system to access resources and services that promote academic advancement. The Employment Specialist-NAZ Partnership will collaborate closely with the NAZ staff and partners.

Job duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop trusting relationships with NAZ families and provide “high touch” support and resources by integrating empowerment principles, training, and strategies into their work with families.
• Act as a link between families, other NAZ staff, and partners to ensure effective collaboration and monitor progress toward goals. Collaborate positively and effectively with NAZ Family Achievement Coaches, who refer families to the Employment Specialist. Keep Family Achievement Coaches informed about family achievements and work with them to track progress toward family goals.
• Develop individualized employment, education, and financial goal plans with families on caseload.
• Provide employment coaching, placement, retention, and career laddering services to NAZ families.
• Assist families with resume writing, interviewing, job search, and other employment-related activities.
• Refer and enroll families in career training programs at PPL and the community.
• Help families navigate the post-secondary education system for educational resources and services such as, but not limited to, financial aid, academic counseling, career exploration, and student support services.
• Develop a household budget and assist in connecting families to financial services and working in partnership with PPL Financial Coaches.
• Cross-train with Housing Specialists to complete intakes and provide coordinated services to families.
• Maintain timely and accurate case notes and program activities for all case files, including paper files and online databases: Apricot, Workforce One (WF1), and NAZ Connect.
• Help participants navigate transportation needs, including access to bus or gas cards and driving residents to appointments in personal or PPL vehicles.

** A detailed job description is available upon request or when selected for the next phase of the hiring process** .

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Management, or a related field required AND/OR 3+ years of work experience in Program Management (preferably in Nonprofit but not required), Project Management, or related field of work may serve as equivalent to education requirement.
• 2+ years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Experience with program development, management, and execution.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in an environment of collaboration with multicultural staff and clients.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnic cultures, and economic and social situations.
• Knowledge of employment and training trends, resources, community agencies, and other programs.
• Experience in creating effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to participants, employer partners, post-secondary educators, nonprofit agencies, and city and county representatives.
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, communication, staff management, and project management skills.
• Experience with community programs and resources, Adult Basic Education services, employment services, and training programs.
• Interest and ability in working with program data and databases.
• Experience in career development, job seeking, and job retention skills.
• Experience with coaching, problem-solving, and providing crisis intervention.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license with a good driving record (consistent with PPL’s driving policy)

**** Supervisory Responsibilities: None

**** Minimum Requirements:

• A devotion and ability to build close relationships with families and the ability to motivate them through positive interviewing, feedback, and reinforcement.
• Knowledge of Twin Cities’ workforce development and MFIP program is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of North Minneapolis and the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with NAZ families.
• Possess strong time management and documentation skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently as well as work collaboratively.
• Strong knowledge of community programs and resources and the post-secondary education system.
• Experience in job readiness activities with economically disadvantaged populations.
• Strong commitment to the expectation that children growing up in north Minneapolis can succeed in academics and college.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and boundaries in all interactions with residents, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and ability to pass a motor vehicle background check

Education and/or Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, or related field.
• Two years of experience coordinating community services for families or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with career and/or finance in low-income communities is strongly preferred.

Benefits: Employer-sponsored health & dental insurance; employer-paid short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance; and paid parental leave. Voluntary life insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA); PTO & Paid Holidays; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; summer half-day Fridays; an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

Salary: $21.63-$23.56/Hr., DOQ

PPL utilizes a hybrid remote/in-person work model. TheEmployment Specialistwill be required to work in person at800 W Broadway Avenue in NorthMinneapolis for at least 60% of their work week.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates can apply online. Include a cover letter and resume. The hiring process includes phone screens, in-person interviews, references, and background checks for final candidates.

PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve, those who are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PPL is an EEO/AA employer. PPL participates in the federal E-verify program to confirm all newly hired employees' identity and employment authorization.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.