Project Coordinator/Employment Specialist
2nd Chance Act – Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes
Position Title: Project Coordinator / Employment Specialist
Program: 2nd Chance Act (SCA Grant Initiative): Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt or Non-Exempt, as applicable
Safety Sensitive Position: Yes
Supervisor: Project Director
Supervises: As determined by grant and project requirements
General Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator / Employment Specialist assists the Project Director with implementation, coordination, tracking, and delivery of the 2nd Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes project.
The position provides direct services to adults incarcerated in Navajo correctional facilities and individuals returning to the community following release. The position assists participants with education, vocational training, employment readiness, job placement, and successful community reintegration.
The position will assist CBI in serving a minimum of 150 participants during the grant period and will develop and maintain partnerships with correctional facilities, colleges, trade and training programs, employers, workforce organizations, and community agencies. The position will also assist with labor market analysis, development of an employer/training-provider consortium, evidence-based and culturally appropriate training, data collection, evaluation, and grant reporting.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Grant and Project Coordination
Maintain knowledge of the approved grant narrative, goals, objectives, budget, timeline, evaluation plan, performance measures, and applicable federal requirements.
Assist the Project Director with planning, scheduling, implementing, and monitoring grant activities to ensure the approved scope of work and project outcomes are achieved.
Assist with grant reporting, evaluation activities, data collection, audits, monitoring visits, and maintenance of required project documentation.
Assist with project-related purchasing, budget monitoring, procurement, vendor coordination, contracts/MOUs, and other administrative activities.
Coordinate with Human Resources regarding project staffing, onboarding, and staff changes as needed.
Participant Services and Case Management
Conduct outreach, intake, and screening of eligible participants within Navajo correctional facilities.
Develop individualized education, training, employment, and reentry plans with participants and monitor progress toward established goals.
Provide case management and maintain appropriate contact with participants before and after release, including up to 12 months following release when required by the grant.
Assist participants with GED, college, vocational, trade, certification, and other educational opportunities, including applications, registration, financial assistance, and obtaining necessary identification and records.
Provide employment-readiness services, including resume development, job applications, interview preparation, job searches, and employment referrals.
Assist participants with successful community reintegration and provide referrals for housing, transportation, healthcare, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, benefits, and other community resources.
Education, Employment, and Community Partnerships
Develop and maintain relationships with colleges, trade schools, vocational programs, employers, workforce organizations, and community agencies to expand participant opportunities.
Assist with establishing and maintaining a consortium of employers and education/training providers to support employment, internships, apprenticeships, and workforce development.
Conduct or assist with labor market analysis to identify in-demand occupations, employers, wages, training requirements, and employment opportunities relevant to participants.
Maintain current information and resource directories for education, employment, training, and community services.
Training and Program Facilitation
Coordinate and/or facilitate evidence-based and culturally appropriate training for participants.
Obtain and maintain required certifications and facilitate approved curricula, which may include Warrior Down, Linking Generations by Strengthening Relationships, Moral Recognition Therapy, Money Smart, Reintegration Workshops, and other grant-approved programs.
Coordinate participant meetings, workshops, trainings, and special events with correctional facilities and community partners.
Data, Evaluation, and Reporting
Maintain accurate participant and program records, including attendance, referrals, assessments, contacts, services, progress, and outcomes.
Administer and maintain pre- and post-training assessments, participant satisfaction surveys, and other evaluation tools.
Track participant education, training, employment, and reentry outcomes and provide information necessary for grant performance reports and program evaluation.
Outreach and Organizational Support
Assist with community outreach, marketing, public relations, partner meetings, and project events.
Represent Capacity Builders, Inc. professionally with participants, correctional facilities, employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and other partners.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, conferences, webinars, and other professional development activities.
Participate in CBI committees and other organizational activities as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the Project Director.
Education/Certification/Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s or master’s level clinician
Minimum one-year experience as a supported education or supported employment specialist or as a vocational specialist.
Proficient in the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) preferred.
Experience working with people with serious mental illness (SMI) preferred.
Experience with Native American and/or Navajo culture, economic development, educational development a plus.
Experience in public relations, networking, public speaking, and/or marketing a plus.
Bilingual in English and Spanish or Navajo language a plus.
Possess valid authorization to work in the United States.
Possession of a current Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
Able to pass a background check.
Experience and skilled in the use of general office equipment, including calculator, copy machine, printer, and computers.
Experience and skilled in using Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
Education, Certification, and Experience
Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, education, criminal justice, business, public administration, project management, workforce development, or related field preferred.
Minimum two years of relevant experience in case management, employment services, workforce development, social services, project coordination, grant management, education/training, community networking, program evaluation, or related field.
Experience working with justice-involved individuals preferred.
Experience working with Native American communities preferred.
Knowledge of Navajo culture and communities preferred; Diné language skills are a plus.
Experience or knowledge of federal grant requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200, preferred.
Certified or eligible to obtain certification for applicable evidence-based or specialized curricula.
Must successfully pass required background checks and correctional facility screening.
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required.
Proof of automobile insurance required when using a personal vehicle for business.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong interpersonal, communication, and public-speaking skills.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
Strong writing, documentation, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
Ability to work effectively with justice-involved individuals and within correctional facility environments.
Ability to collect, organize, and maintain accurate program data and records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Strong judgment, reliability, professionalism, and customer-service skills.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with Native American communities.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods and stand for up to one hour when conducting training or presentations.
Regular use of computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and other office equipment.
Ability to lift and carry approximately 15 pounds.
Ability to travel to correctional facilities, training sites, meetings, and other project locations.
Ability to perform extensive reading, documentation, and computer-based work.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
Ability to hear and understand normal spoken communication.
Ability to work in correctional facilities and community environments safely and professionally.
Working Conditions
The position requires regular travel to Navajo correctional facilities and other project-related locations. The employee may work directly with incarcerated individuals in group and one-on-one settings and must comply with all facility security and safety requirements. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for meetings, trainings, events, or other grant activities.
Acknowledgement
This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as organizational, programmatic, grant, or operational needs change.
If you are interested in this position please download the CBI Job Application Form, complete it and then click the ‘Apply’ button below to get started.