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Educational/Vocational Specialist

Rincon Family Services, Chicago, IL, United States


Job Details Job Title: Educational/Vocational Specialist

Department: Child Welfare Department/Life Set ILO/TLP Program

Reports to: Leadership Team

Job Type: Full Time, Salary, Non-Exempt

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000

About the Organization Rincon – Building Spaces, Restoring Communities – Who We Are What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling and crisis intervention services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing to advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families.

Position Description – What The Role Entails This individual will work as the Educational/Vocational Coordinator and will assist Participants with the support needed to complete secondary and post‑secondary educational and vocational training. The Coordinator will also help Participants understand their capabilities, identify job interests and career paths, prepare for and obtain employment, and maintain employment. They will act as a liaison between the Participants and their school training program and/or workplace.

Company Culture – Do Our Values Speak to You? At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:

Dedication – Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care.

Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.

Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.

Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.

Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

Areas of Accountability – What You Will Be Doing

Work with LifeSet Case Specialists to assist the Participant in identifying education and/or vocational interests.

Complete a comprehensive vocational/employment assessment for all Participants.

Work with the Participant one on one to assess interests while in high school and beyond.

Assist Participant with their educational goals.

Assist Participant in maintaining employment.

Connect Participant with proper educational and vocational resources and/or training.

Work with groups, offers, presentations, and the community to ensure that the young person has the opportunity to reach their educational and/or vocational goal prior to emancipation.

Schedule school and DCFS staffing and be prepared to provide an update on Participants’ progress as it relates to school and/or work.

Assist Participants with other duties as assigned.

Assist with maintaining and filing case files.

Submit weekly and monthly updates to Case Management team.

Assist Participants with appointments and use that as an opportunity to observe needs, support, and other resources.

Coach Participants for interviews or arrange for training to assist them in developing marketable employment skills.

Assist with financial aid and other monetary support.

Maintain documentation, progress notes and case summaries.

Rincon Rewards & Benefits – How We Value You

Health insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Generous PTO (Paid time off) – Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable.

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Development Opportunities

Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits.

Work Environment – What To Expect

The individual must be able to successfully perform essential functions of this job including carrying charts to and from offices/desks, preparing for group activities that may entail moving chairs and/or tables, carrying bags/boxes of food or decorating group activity areas. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees are responsible for informing supervisors of any invisible disability or medical restrictions that limit physical capability.

Travel to and from meetings is necessary. Some duties would be conducted in the field, requiring a reliable vehicle and updated car insurance.

Schedule

9 AM – 5 PM (1-hour unpaid lunch). Other hours may be required.

Language

Must be able to speak English.

Requirements – The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most

Good listening, communication and case management skills. Able to tailor communication styles to make the client feel comfortable.

The ability to engage Participants in a clinically and respectful manner.

Initiative and big‑picture thinking.

Planning skills.

Basic understanding of legal issues of this population.

Basic understanding of addiction issues of this population.

Basic understanding of mental illness issues of this population.

Understanding of Trauma‑Informed Care (Agency will train in trauma‑informed care).

Understanding of internal and external medical and supportive services.

Cultural competence and sensitivity.

Fast, accurate documentation skills.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients and groups.

Desire to learn new skills.

Knowledge of community and social service agencies.

Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.

Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.

Position Qualifications – What Is Required To Perform The Role

Four years of college in psychology, or a related field, or at least five years’ experience in Social Services.

Assist with writing and implementing a treatment plan.

Knowledge of the usage of computers and associated software.

Must pass a pre‑employment background check, including clearance by the DHS Background Check Unit.

Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.

Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.

Must adhere to agency’s non‑discrimination policies.

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