Responsibilities:

• Schedules clients' appointments via telephone, letter, or computer. Interviews clients to obtain pertinent data; evaluates clients' vocational needs and funding requirements; recommends specific Agency or external programs and services.
• Coordinates services to/from DRS and other appropriate referral sources; coordinates and teaches job readiness training classes according to program needs; maintains ongoing communication with funding sources for additional training and employment service programs.
• Evaluates client potential and develops employment goals. Identifies clients' basic employment potential and needs, including resume and interviewing skills. Assists clients in acquiring job search skills and counsels them on job search goals and issues. Creates client resumes with client input. May teach job readiness training classes or job clubs, as needed.
• May arrange staffings with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and maintain monthly communication with same. Communicates with DRS counselors regarding job retention issues of clients. Completes funder required information and reporting requirements.
• Initiates telephone and/or face-to-face contacts with potential employers to introduce and explain Agency services, describe clients served, and learn about current job openings. Refers clients to job opportunities, sets up interview appointments, may arrange interpreters and coordinate with appropriate internal and external personnel, and follows up with clients and employers after interviews.
• Provides on-the-job training, job coaching and follow-up services to clients through employment site visits, individual meetings during free time (lunch, before/after work hours), phone contact and correspondence.
• Maintains accurate and updated records and files of employer and client contacts, including client follow up. Obtains and evaluates all pertinent information about each assigned client, including employment restrictions, qualifications and assets, health, availability, etc. Maintains current and accurate records, including funder databases, according to COA standards.
• Provides outreach/recruitment to local, targeted community agencies, government entities and schools to market the program to potential referral sources.
• Consults and coordinates with agency and community resources to accommodate a wide range of individual needs.
• Carries a case load of 20 or more clients.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Follows prescribed safety procedures. Acts to ensure safety for self, co-workers and clients.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with professional standards. Works cooperatively with co-workers and maintains congenial relationships with Agency employees, clients/clients, and outside representatives. Where appropriate, demonstrates empathy and concern in client/client interaction. Complies with all appropriate Agency policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university.
• Fluent in American Sign Language (for DHH concentration only).
• Minimum one to two years related experience.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid driver's license, and have reliable transportation to locations that may not be accessible via public transportation.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, to write routine reports and correspondence, and to speak effectively before groups of clients or employees of organization.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's and to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

What you'll love about us:

• Time off: Paid time off varies by position - can include vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with base contribution and match. Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and much more.
• Compensation: The minimum compensation for this position is $40,000 annually.

JCFS Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. JCFS Chicago provides a reasonable accommodation to those who need assistance in completing this application. JCFS Chicago is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago metropolitan area. Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, licensed by DCFS.