Director of Social Services for Workforce Development Center

Job description

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 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. The Y's 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. Responsibilities: • Conduct assessments of clients' SNAP needs related to work eligibility, develop individualized service plans, and provide coaching and support throughout the training and job search process; refer to external resources/services • Assist with job readiness training, job placement, and retention services • Maintain a caseload of clients enrolled in the center and in sector-based training • Assist in planning and facilitating orientation for new clients • Demonstrate 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 • Co-facilitate and coach employment groups • Establish and maintain relationships with local service providers, including mental health providers, government agencies, and other 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 employment verification Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday with occasional Saturdays. 8-hour workday with half-hour unpaid lunch. Qualifications: • MSW required • Related experience in the mental health field, substance abuse, or with homeless individuals strongly preferred • Excellent time management, flexibility, teamwork, and organizational skills • Excellent assessment and written/verbal communication skills • Computer literacy required • Knowledge of workforce, social service agencies, Federal assistance benefits, and community services required • Must be willing to work evenings • Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S. required • Must pass background check and other pre-employment requirements Benefits: Generous PTO and competitive benefits package including Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, Optional 403b Plan, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefit Plan, and Y Fitness Center Membership. Salary: $65,000–$75,000. About Us: Established in 1917 as one of the first Jewish community centers in New York City, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a thriving and visionary not-for-profit human services organization in Northern Manhattan. We welcome people of diverse ethnicities and all ages into the Y family with a wide range of educational, recreational, and social services focused on improving the quality of their lives. Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.