Career Development Specialist

The salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills, and expertise.

Hybrid: 4 days in office/1 day remote

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways 

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Employment Services, the Career Development Specialist develops and sustains a portfolio of competitive job placements in business and the community and partners with mental health clients to assist them in obtaining competitive employment. The Career Development Specialist will be an active listener and provide high quality customer service and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

 
Program/Facilities

• Develops and sustains internships and competitive job placements in business, industry, and the community, and assesses clients for job fit. Maintains on-going contact with employers, and performs off-site visits. 
• Works with employers and organizations to customize jobs that meet the employers' needs and capitalize on the skills and talents of individual clients. 
• Works closely with employers to guarantee their satisfaction with Upwards. 
• Works closely with case managers and other Urban Pathways staff to recruit and enroll participants who meet eligibility requirements for the Upwards Program. 
• Works with clients to assess and develop employment plans that match clients' interests, aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and previous work experience and career goals. 
• Provides vocational counseling for the specialized population of homeless and formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and substance abuse histories. 

• Identifies client strengths and weaknesses, past work records and interests. 
• Acts as a job coach for clients that are placed in competitive, transitional, and supportive employment. 
• Models workplace professionalism for clients in individual and group settings. Provides situational judgment training and role-play opportunities for clients. 
• Ensures that clients participating in the Upwards Program meet basic standards of program compliance. 
• Accompanies clients to local businesses for job search. 
• Develops employment training curriculum, conducts workshops and work­ related individual/group discussions. 
• Assists the Director of Employment Services to evaluate program effectiveness. 
• Assists the Director of Employment Services in the development of policies and procedures and other strategic program initiatives. 

Administrative

• Maintains and submits all necessary documentation and reports accurately, in a timely manner and as required by Urban Pathways, regulatory and funding agency policies, and procedures including but not limited to: 

• Enters progress notes after each client meeting within 48 hours and/or as mandated by the Program. 
• Completes Intake/admission documentation within 24 hours of client admission, as mandated by the Program. 
• Documents assessments in client records within required timeframe (not applicable for Outreach Program). 
• Updates information in client records, as required. 
• Submits all required paper work for supervisor approval within 48 hours. 
• Files paperwork in client charts (once approved/signed by supervisor), as required by the Program (no more than 48 hours). 
• Compiles and reports monthly statistics in various data bases and generates progress notes and related client documentation. 

Community Relations

• Works with employers and organizations to customize jobs that meet the employers' needs and capitalize on the skills and talents of individual clients. 
• Works closely with employers to guarantee their satisfaction with Upwards. 

Communication

• Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times. 
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions, as required. 
• Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner. 

Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required.  MSW or MA in closely related field preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years' experience creating and sustaining relationships with employers in job development required. Experience with human services is a plus. 
• Experience with developing and facilitating employment and psycho­ educational groups. 
• Knowledge of relevant job markets and establishment of job contacts. 
• Experience with homeless, mentally-ill and substance abuse population preferred. 

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook etc.) 
• Foreign languages a plus. 

Other 

• Required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings. 

Licenses 

• Valid driver's license with clean driving record a plus. 

Capabilities 

• All programs require field work, home visits, client escorts, and use of public transportation. 
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.), type, write, read, speak, see, and hear. 

Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. 

These benefits include:

  ·  Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.

  ·  Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.

  ·  Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.

  ·  Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.

  ·  Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.

  ·  Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.

  ·  Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.

  ·  Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.