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Workforce Development Specialist (Back of the Yards)

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States


POSITION TITLE
Workforce Development Specialist (Back Of The Yards)

REPORTS TO
Associate Director, Workforce Development

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of gun violence in Chicago using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using four major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Institute for Nonviolence's workforce programming is offered in three Chicago neighborhoods, Austin, West Garfield Park, Back of the Yards and Brighton Park. The Workforce Development Specialist will facilitate a professional job readiness curriculum that focuses on interviewing techniques, workplace competencies and socio-emotional skill building to participants from Back of the Yards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate a professional job readiness curriculum that focuses on interviewing techniques, workplace competencies and socio-emotional skill-building to participants from the community

Oversee overall participant management, such as (but not limited to) addressing individual participant needs, monitoring attendance and ability to complete assignments, and evaluating overall socio-emotional skill development

Complete case notes and provide referrals to outside organizations for additional services, as needed

Consistently assess the effectiveness of the workforce program and provide feedback to the supervisor on innovative
ew ideas for growth and improvement

In collaboration with the supervisor, develop and maintain positive, long-term relationships with local apprentice programs and employers to create a pipeline to job placement for program participants

Attend activities in the community relating to employment services and connect with employers, job readiness training programs, and community organizations frequently to market and enrich the program and the success of the participants

Assist with the planning and execution of a graduation for each cohort of participants

Complete required trainings, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) training and facilitator coaching

QUALIFICATIONS

Maintains a passionate commitment to social justice, equity, and violence reduction in the City of Chicago

High School diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred or at least two years of experience working with formerly incarcerated and/or street-involved individuals, and awareness of trauma reactions

Must have valid Illinois drivers license and be able to independently travel throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs

Basic computer skills, including ability to complete required research, data entry tasks, communicate via email, and complete basic word processing tasks, as needed

Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing

Basic knowledge of the south and westside community and current street conflicts

Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma-informed practices

Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and lead/organize presentations

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form with a diverse population

Ability to meet prescribed deadlines, collaborate as part of a team and respond well to supervisor direction and follow up

Possess a strong sense of compassion and patience for serving an underserved population

SALARY / BENEFITS
The average salary is $45,000 and commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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