Director of Social Services for Workforce Development Center

POSITION OVERVIEW:

For over 50 years, the Y has provided workforce development support, mainly focusing on youth and young adults in our community. The Y’s Workforce Development Center’s goal is to provide opportunities for adults of all ages, including low-income individuals, to be trained and licensed in well-paying jobs. With the new Federal changes impacting the work requirements related to SNAP/Medicaid, the Y’s Workforce Development Center focuses on free healthcare certificate training and career readiness supports for our community. The Director of Social Services for Workforce Development will assist the Managing Director of Workforce Development by effectively assessing the goals and barriers of clients interested in securing entry to mid-level positions, career-based/sector-based certification, and job placement.

The Director of Social Services for Workforce Development will assist in conducting the intakes for adult clients interested in securing employment, career-based/sector-based certification, and job placement and will meet with clients to match services with needs, in addition to conducting orientation for new clients. The Director of Social Services will know about supportive services and other resources for those residing in Upper Manhattan and neighboring areas.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Y’s new Workforce Development Center serves those 18+ years old and offers free certificate training, career readiness services, and referrals to employment for those in the community. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life and provide viable employment opportunities to the people we serve.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct assessments of clients' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) needs related to work eligibility, skills, develop individualized service plans, and provide coaching and support throughout the training and job search process; refer to external resources/services.
• Maintain a caseload of clients enrolled in the center and in sector-based training.
• Assist in planning and facilitating orientation for new clients.
• Experience and sensitivity working with various cultures, individuals with diverse backgrounds, and low-income socioeconomic conditions.
• Assess the needs and strengths of clients to assist in employment goals, including and objectives.
• Co-facilitate and coach employment groups.
• Assist with job readiness training, job placement, and retention services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local service providers, including mental health providers, government agencies, and other related community-based services, as needed.
• Ensure timely record-keeping in the client tracking system/database; document activity and reports.
• Provide crisis intervention and mediation as necessary.
• Assist with special projects as assigned, including Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) assistance
• Maintain strict program confidentiality and integrity.
• Assist in verifying the satisfactory placement of clients with employers and obtain some form of employment verification.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• MSW required.
• Related experience in the mental health field, substance abuse, or with homeless individuals is strongly preferred.
• Must have excellent time management skills, be flexible, be a team player, be open to feedback, be creative, and have excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent assessment and written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Knowledge of the workforce, social service agencies/including Federal assistance benefits, and community services is required.
• Must be willing to work evenings.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• Full-time position.
• 8-hour workday (with half an hour unpaid lunch).
• Monday through Friday and occasional Saturdays.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Compensation range of $65,000-$70,000.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and competitive benefits package: Health Insurance; Retirement Plan, Optional 403b Plan, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefit Plan, and Y Fitness Center Membership.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE:

• Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Must pass the background check and other pre-employment requirements.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

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

YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Established in 1917, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the “Y”) is a not-for-profit Jewish Community Center that welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We offer a wide range of educational, recreational, and social service programs to enhance the quality of life of our clients. From top-notch early childhood education and youth development programs to innovative older adult services, there’s always something for everyone at the Y!