Community Impact Specialist: Career/ Job Read
Marillac St. Vincent, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Title
Community Impact Specialist: Career/Job Readiness
Job Details STATUS:
Full Time (on site)
CUSTOMARY HOURS:
M-F, 8 hours/day
Some Saturdays
LOCATION:
East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park
HOURS/WEEK:
40 hours
DEPARTMENT:
Community Connections
DIRECT SUPERVISOR:
Manager of Community Impact Services or Programs
DIRECTLY SUPERVISES:
None
Vision To disrupt the generational cycle of poverty for the families we serve.
Mission Marillac St. Vincent strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.
Core Values
Integrity – Acting with transparency, humility and honesty
Excellence – Providing quality care with compassion
Creativity – Being continuously resourceful and inventive
Advocacy – Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life
Respect – Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people
Empowerment – Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development
Team Behaviors
Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals.
Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents oneself professionally.
Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.
General Summary The Community Impact Specialist – Career/Job Readiness plays a vital role within the Community Connections Department, supporting individuals and families in achieving economic stability and growth through the
GROW (Growing Roots of Wealth)
program. This position focuses on empowering community members by providing access to meaningful career and job readiness resources that support long‑term financial well‑being.
Working under general supervision and as part of a collaborative team, the Community Impact Specialist helps participants navigate and access a variety of services including job search assistance, resume and cover letter development, application support, workshops, interview preparation, and referrals to workforce training or educational opportunities. The role is client‑centered, with a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships and addressing barriers to employment through trauma‑informed and equitable practices.
This specialist will also serve as a key connector between participants and a network of community‑based organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Through outreach, partnerships, and ongoing support, the Community Impact Specialist ensures that individuals are linked with resources that best align with their career goals and life circumstances.
Duties & Responsibilities Participant-Centered Career Support
Coordinate and Deliver Services: Provide one‑on‑one, person‑centered support to individuals seeking employment by assisting with goal development, job search strategies, resume creation, application guidance, and career pathway planning in alignment with GROW program goals.
Ongoing Case Management: Engage participants through direct and indirect service delivery to support their career advancement, economic stability, and long‑term success.
Documentation and Compliance
Maintain Accurate Participant Records: Document all services provided, including case notes, referrals, attendance, and progress updates, ensuring records are current, complete, and compliant with internal and external reporting standards.
Ensure Data Integrity: Monitor participant outcomes and update relevant documentation to reflect engagement, achievements, and areas of need.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Build Community Resource Network: Develop and sustain partnerships with workforce development agencies, community colleges, training programs, and local employers to expand participant access to job readiness and employment services.
Facilitate Monthly Community Resource Events: Organize, attend and host events/workshops centered on Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as employment, education, financial literacy and workforce resources, to deepen participant connections and access to supports.
Represent MSV in the Community: Attend meetings, workshops, and site visits across the East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park communities to build relationships and stay attuned to local workforce needs and resources.
Cross‑Departmental Collaboration
Coordinate Wrap‑Around Services: Work in collaboration with MSV staff across departments (e.g., Senior Services, Community Food Source, Early Childhood) to provide holistic, trauma‑informed services that address participants’ broader career development and educational needs.
Support Food Access Services: Participate in weekly food distribution events, engaging clients and building rapport to identify additional career/job support opportunities.
Program Development and Evaluation
Lead and Facilitate Workshops: Plan and deliver interactive workshops on job readiness, financial planning, and other career‑related topics that reflect participant interests and community needs.
Evaluate Program Effectiveness: Contribute to program monitoring and improvement by developing benchmarks, analyzing outcomes, and recommending adjustments to strengthen service delivery and client impact, alongside our Data Management Team.
Professional Development and Administrative Support
Engage in Continuous Learning: Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including job‑specific training, community learning sessions, and external seminars.
Travel Within Service Areas: Regularly travel to community partner sites and service locations to provide outreach, maintain partnerships, and meet with participants, using agency vehicles.
Support Program Initiatives: Assist with special projects and emerging initiatives as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to team goals and innovation.
Position may require flexible work hours that may include occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Job Requirements Experience & Education Minimum bachelor’s degree with focus in education, social work, human/social services, preferred. Minimum of 2 years of career development, career coaching, job readiness, job locator experience.
Qualifications
Effective and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to a diverse population.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data systems.
Knowledgeable in navigating Benefits Application, Job Opportunities and Resources, Financial Health and Literacy, and Education applications.
Language Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bi‑Linguistic a plus.
Physical Demands
Talk or hear regularly.
Stand for 3–4 hour periods at a time.
Perform all‑office activities normally expected in an office setting, including remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, filing activity, lifting, and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.).
Lend capability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
Internal office space.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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Job Details STATUS:
Full Time (on site)
CUSTOMARY HOURS:
M-F, 8 hours/day
Some Saturdays
LOCATION:
East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park
HOURS/WEEK:
40 hours
DEPARTMENT:
Community Connections
DIRECT SUPERVISOR:
Manager of Community Impact Services or Programs
DIRECTLY SUPERVISES:
None
Vision To disrupt the generational cycle of poverty for the families we serve.
Mission Marillac St. Vincent strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.
Core Values
Integrity – Acting with transparency, humility and honesty
Excellence – Providing quality care with compassion
Creativity – Being continuously resourceful and inventive
Advocacy – Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life
Respect – Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people
Empowerment – Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development
Team Behaviors
Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals.
Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents oneself professionally.
Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.
General Summary The Community Impact Specialist – Career/Job Readiness plays a vital role within the Community Connections Department, supporting individuals and families in achieving economic stability and growth through the
GROW (Growing Roots of Wealth)
program. This position focuses on empowering community members by providing access to meaningful career and job readiness resources that support long‑term financial well‑being.
Working under general supervision and as part of a collaborative team, the Community Impact Specialist helps participants navigate and access a variety of services including job search assistance, resume and cover letter development, application support, workshops, interview preparation, and referrals to workforce training or educational opportunities. The role is client‑centered, with a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships and addressing barriers to employment through trauma‑informed and equitable practices.
This specialist will also serve as a key connector between participants and a network of community‑based organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Through outreach, partnerships, and ongoing support, the Community Impact Specialist ensures that individuals are linked with resources that best align with their career goals and life circumstances.
Duties & Responsibilities Participant-Centered Career Support
Coordinate and Deliver Services: Provide one‑on‑one, person‑centered support to individuals seeking employment by assisting with goal development, job search strategies, resume creation, application guidance, and career pathway planning in alignment with GROW program goals.
Ongoing Case Management: Engage participants through direct and indirect service delivery to support their career advancement, economic stability, and long‑term success.
Documentation and Compliance
Maintain Accurate Participant Records: Document all services provided, including case notes, referrals, attendance, and progress updates, ensuring records are current, complete, and compliant with internal and external reporting standards.
Ensure Data Integrity: Monitor participant outcomes and update relevant documentation to reflect engagement, achievements, and areas of need.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Build Community Resource Network: Develop and sustain partnerships with workforce development agencies, community colleges, training programs, and local employers to expand participant access to job readiness and employment services.
Facilitate Monthly Community Resource Events: Organize, attend and host events/workshops centered on Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as employment, education, financial literacy and workforce resources, to deepen participant connections and access to supports.
Represent MSV in the Community: Attend meetings, workshops, and site visits across the East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park communities to build relationships and stay attuned to local workforce needs and resources.
Cross‑Departmental Collaboration
Coordinate Wrap‑Around Services: Work in collaboration with MSV staff across departments (e.g., Senior Services, Community Food Source, Early Childhood) to provide holistic, trauma‑informed services that address participants’ broader career development and educational needs.
Support Food Access Services: Participate in weekly food distribution events, engaging clients and building rapport to identify additional career/job support opportunities.
Program Development and Evaluation
Lead and Facilitate Workshops: Plan and deliver interactive workshops on job readiness, financial planning, and other career‑related topics that reflect participant interests and community needs.
Evaluate Program Effectiveness: Contribute to program monitoring and improvement by developing benchmarks, analyzing outcomes, and recommending adjustments to strengthen service delivery and client impact, alongside our Data Management Team.
Professional Development and Administrative Support
Engage in Continuous Learning: Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including job‑specific training, community learning sessions, and external seminars.
Travel Within Service Areas: Regularly travel to community partner sites and service locations to provide outreach, maintain partnerships, and meet with participants, using agency vehicles.
Support Program Initiatives: Assist with special projects and emerging initiatives as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to team goals and innovation.
Position may require flexible work hours that may include occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Job Requirements Experience & Education Minimum bachelor’s degree with focus in education, social work, human/social services, preferred. Minimum of 2 years of career development, career coaching, job readiness, job locator experience.
Qualifications
Effective and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to a diverse population.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data systems.
Knowledgeable in navigating Benefits Application, Job Opportunities and Resources, Financial Health and Literacy, and Education applications.
Language Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bi‑Linguistic a plus.
Physical Demands
Talk or hear regularly.
Stand for 3–4 hour periods at a time.
Perform all‑office activities normally expected in an office setting, including remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, filing activity, lifting, and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.).
Lend capability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
Internal office space.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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