Program:       Next Step

Salary Range: $45,000 to $54,000

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 600 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 Next Step Trainer and Engagement Specialist will primarily be responsible for facilitating workshops for our sector-based training programs focused on jobs in social services. This includes the Next Step Internship Program (NSIP) (training for careers in homeless services) – 8-week classroom-based training and paid on-the-job internships at a homeless shelter or supportive housing. The person in this role will also be responsible for engaging clients while in the programs to ensure enrollment and graduation performance goals are met. In addition, they will work with the job development team to connect graduates to employment opportunities to meet placement job placement outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Skills Training Coordinator of Next Step, duties include, but are not limited to:

Trainer (60%):

    Facilitate a range of in-person and virtual job readiness and skills training workshops to prepare clients for internships and jobs in the social services sector
    Collaborate with Skills Training Coordinator to develop and implement new workshops as needed by new contracts, employers and clients
    Provide one-on-one job readiness support such as mock interviews and resume/cover letter development
    Assist clients with computer skills and on-line job search
    Adapt training methods to accommodate various learning styles and individual participant needs.
    Incorporate case studies, role-playing exercises, and group discussions to facilitate active learning and skill development

Engagement Specialist (30%)

    Conduct weekly check-in with the clients while they are enrolled in the program
    Engage with clients while they are on their internship to ensure that internship is running smoothly
    Engage clients post training and pre-employment
    Address challenges that may arise with the client in the classroom or internship site. Work with Skills Training Coordinator to address concerns such as behavior, work performance, etc.

Administrative (10%)

    Document attendance and client progress in Salesforce and other systems required by funding sources
    Document all interactions in the clients’ record in Salesforce
    Assist with internship assignment and administrative management
    Work with HR Department to ensure that clients are cleared for their internship assignment
    Coordinate with the Job Developers to secure employment for the clients that successfully completed NSIP
    Collaboration with the Job Development team on onsite hiring events