Director of Employment and Education Services

Overview

Employment and Adult Education services are a vital aspect of our client family’s success in our program, as evidenced by the findings of our data & evaluation function. This critical service to Bridge families has been reinforced through the global COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the job market. At the peak, Bridge client unemployment was at 43% and currently client unemployment is within normal pre-pandemic range.

Job Summary

The Director of Employment/Adult Education Services (DOE) is responsible for the supervision of Bridge’s team of two full-time Employment Counselors. The DOE reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is a member of the Bridge Leadership Team. The DOE also collaborates closely with the Director of Case Management, Director of Children’s Services, and the Intake Manager to ensure these functions work with common focus to achieve employment related goals. The DOE is a working supervisor, carrying an average caseload of ten to twenty clients per month.

Together with Bridge staff members, the DOE shares in the responsibility for identifying programs and opportunities that will positively impact the self-sufficiency of clients and assist in the improvement of their job readiness and job outcomes while also continuously improving the quality of the employment program.

Bridge has a growing number of partner organizations that provide assistance and opportunities for networking, including collaborations with other non-profits and local employers in relevant growth industries. The DOE plays a very visible role in continuing to build these relationships and ensure that the obligations of both Bridge and the partner organizations are met.

Responsibilities

A.      Employment Program Management

• Partner with CEO on architecting strategies to improve employment services continuously and proactively with client life cycle in mind based on market trends, regional not for profit job program practices, and outputs from the Data & Evaluation function.
• Hire, train, and evaluate the employment staff, providing ongoing performance feedback.
• Manage client / workload between employment staff members.
• Provide counsel to the Employment Counselors when crisis occurs and when difficult challenges arise in the relationships with clients, families, mentors, or partner organizations.
• Counsel Bridge clients on an individual basis to assist in all aspects of job search as well as adult education needs. Job search activities may include, but are not limited to, skills assessments, development of resume and marketing materials, interview prep, and networking assistance. Adult education activities may include, but are not limited to, assessments, site visits, scholarship assistance, and on-line research.
• Consistently communicate with Case Managers, Program Partners, and Mentors regarding client updates and progress. Partner with the teams to ensure clients are achieving employment goals.
• Oversee employment programming volunteer selection and on boarding.
• Network within community, local employers, and organizations to develop a network of relationships to assist with placement of job seeking clients, employment volunteers, and other philanthropic initiatives of Bridge.
• Research and identify adult education opportunities, job market trends, certificate programs, and funding when developing employment and education goals. Function as a guide for clients interested in continuing education and increasing skills.
• Participate on West Suburban Jobs Council as member or on Board of Directors and participate in any other relevant networking groups to achieve objectives related to building network of employers and other not for profit agencies.

 

B.      Administrative

• Serve on subcommittees or task groups that may develop based on need, improvement, and expansion of Bridge such as Mentor Training Revision, Strategic Initiatives as well this role participates on the board program subcommittee. .
• Update and manage client data system employment and education information, which is current the Birdseye application within Salesforce. Data system is used to commentary and year end outcome numbers for the annual report, grant reporting, and management of the employment stream of work.
• Assist in the development of the annual Program budget, particularly for Family Assistance, especially as it relates to any employment service-related expense such as job readiness, employment or education assessments, and educational scholarships.
• Manage Employment Program related expenses
• Approve Employment team expense reports, invoices from providers, and any human resources or finance related tasks as needed.

C.      Interface with Management Team

• Active member of the leadership team providing feedback regarding the Employment and Education functions ad well as other aspects of the Bridge Mission and business.
• Monthly meetings with the CEO to discuss relevant updates and information for their team as well department goals progress and individual development plan.
• Maintain prominent level of communication in all aspects of Bridge, especially between Client teams and Intake function.
• Respond to requests from the Development Team for grant proposals and reports, meet with current or prospective donors, or assist with special events.
• Proactively work with Development team and Program staff to identify and help cultivate persons who show potential as donors or as persons looking to engage more with Bridge.
• Attend Program, Management, and Staff Meetings and other Bridge Communities events, meetings, and trainings
• Continue to build the high trust and mutual respect relationships within the organization and program team by being proximate to all staff, being thorough in communication, consistent in performance, relationship, availability, and having unity toward the Bridge mission.

This job description does not list all duties of the job. Supervisors may ask you to perform other duties as needed to achieve the mission of Bridge Communities. You will be evaluated, in part, based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. You employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

 

Key Competencies:

Thought:

• Client focus
• Decision Making
• Innovation & creativity

Results:

• Resourcefulness
• Directs work
• Drives results
• Data Informed

People:

• Builds collaborative relationships
• Develops talent
• Communicates effectively

Self:

• Resilience
• Growth-oriented

 

Qualifications:

1.       Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field, Master’s Degree preferred.

2.       At least 5 years HR experience and 5 years in management or 10 years’ experience as a hiring manager. Must possess considerable skill in interviewing techniques and overall hiring process.

3.       Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word / Excel / PowerPoint). Knowledge with Salesforce is preferred.

4.       Effective written and verbal communication. Experience in making formal PowerPoint and other presentations.

5.       Ability to facilitate small and large group discussions and trainings.

6.       Initiative-taking, highly organized, strong communicator able to multi-task effectively.

7.       While performing duties of this position, employee will be required, on occasion, to lift to twenty-five pounds. Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time may be needed.

8.       Valid Illinois Driver’s License and the ability to travel locally.

 

To Apply

• Browse our website www.bridgecommunities.org to learn more about Bridge Communities.
• Compose a cover letter – one-page maximum – to clearly explain the case for your candidacy. Please tell us in the letter how you learned of the opening.
• Email cover letter and resume to resumes@bridgecommunities.org
• Candidates whose backgrounds are a strong fit with our requirements can expect contact within five business days of application. No follow up phone calls or emails please.
• Please do NOT supply references at this time.
• Our goal is to have the hiring process complete in November 2022, and a start of employment in January 2023.

 

Bridge Communities is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, client families, volunteers, and vendors. Bridge Communities does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

Bridge Communities will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or applicant on the bases of the above-mentioned protections.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed to enable qualified applicants with a disability to participate in the pre-employment process.