Career Advancement Specialist

Title: Career Advancement Specialist

Program: Workforce Development

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 per year       

Program Description:

Next Step is Project Renewal’s award-winning job placement program which places homeless, formerly homeless, and low-income individuals in competitive employment. Since 2000, Project Renewal has helped nearly 5,000 New Yorkers find and retain employment, achieve economic security, lead more fulfilling lives, and positively contribute to their communities. We enroll over 450 adults each year who have significant barriers to employment including those with histories of homelessness, substance use, underemployment, mental health diagnoses and criminal justice involvement. Our comprehensive approach allows us to work individually with each client to minimize barriers to employment and prepare them for the world of work.

Overall Responsibilities:

The Career Advancement Specialist is responsible for supporting alumni of the Next Step Internship Program (NSIP) and Human Services Training (HST) programs in achieving long-term career growth. The role focuses on career advancement, wage progression, job retention, educational attainment, credential acquisition, and ongoing career coaching. The position serves as the primary contact for alumni and works closely with employers, educational institutions, and community partners to create advancement opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Career Advancement Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Program Services
  • Engage and enroll former program graduates.
  • Manage a caseload of employed alumni.
  • Provide individualized career coaching and advancement planning.
  • Support wage growth, promotions, credential attainment, and career progression.
  • Conduct monthly alumni check-ins and provide retention support.
  • Help alumni pursue new employment opportunities when appropriate.

• Training and Workshop Facilitation
  • Develop and facilitate at least four workshops per month.
  • Deliver training on industry trends, career advancement, and professional development.
  • Provide resume reviews, cover letter assistance, mock interviews, and job search support.
  • Coordinate volunteer and employer-led trainings.
  • Facilitate both virtual and in-person workshops.

• Employer and Educational Partnership
  • Collaborate with Job Development staff to identify advanced employment opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain employer partnerships.
  • Strengthen and expand relationships with CUNY and other educational providers.
  • Identify credentialing, training, and continuing education opportunities for alumni.
  • Participate in and support networking events.

• Program Performance and Outcomes  
  • Ensure at least 50% of participants achieve a career advancement milestone.
  • Meet placement, retention, and wage growth targets established by funders.
  • Keep alumni informed of industry trends and advancement opportunities.

• Administrative
  • Maintain accurate case notes and participant records in Salesforce.
  • Track employment outcomes, including promotions, wage increases, resignations, and terminations.
  • Generate reports and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
  • Document participant progress and program activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in workforce development, career services, case management or employment and training programs.
• Demonstrated success working with vulnerable and underserved populations, including individuals with histories of homelessness, justice system involvement, substance use histories, serious mental illness.
• Strong workshop facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and inspire adult learners.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of virtual platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Google Classroom, etc.
• Preferred experience with: Salesforce or other client management or CRM databases.