Job Description

Summary:
Working closely with the Reentry & Recovery Program Team, the Career Development Specialist will facilitate pre-employment and cognitive-behavioral workshops that assist justice-involved individuals as well as those in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD?s), in preparing for and finding employment. The job responsibilities include a combination of group facilitation, detailed administrative and direct service duties. The Career Development Specialist will assist with the provision of services provided through the Hampden County Sheriff? Department and with other community agency partners as required.

Position Specific Responsibilities:
Facilitates pre-employment and cognitive-behavioral workshops at various facilities within the Hampden County Sheriff?s Dept. House of Corrections
Creates a positive atmosphere and a safe space for open discussion for justice-involved individuals
Performs administrative duties including copying, managing calendars; scheduling appointments; and keeping accurate records of weekly activities for data entry
Meets with customers one-on-one, offers employment readiness counseling, prepares drafts of resumes and assists with online applications
Provides additional resources and information as needed
Maintains accurate, time sensitive, and confidential database systems
Promotes all aspects of MassHire Career Centers, community-based programs, and corrections services and their benefits, to program participants and employers
Promotes programs and services to the community-at-large and supports all marketing efforts, including social media and other methods
Maintains excellent customer relations with agencies, business partners, and individual customers
Performs other tasks as assigned by the Re-entry & Recovery Management Team

QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience, and/or a strong desire for, working with individuals in early recovery, justice-involved and/or at-risk populations required
Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
Knowledge of career and workforce development topics
Project coordination experience and an ability to work well with all levels of management and staff, outside customers and vendors
Technologically proficient in internet research, online platforms such as Zoom, Google Suite, and programs within the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word
Strong oral and written communication skills
Able to create resumes for customers and draft professional correspondence to local businesses, agencies and organizations
Able to document customer services rendered comprehensively and succinctly
Able to maintain confidential, system-wide database systems
Must have a valid Drivers License and ability to travel using personal vehicle
Associate?s degree or higher in a related field and at least two (2) years of job-related experience. Four (4) years of job-related experience may be substituted for college degree
Being a lifelong learner, and willing to attend various workshops, conferences, and community events to keep abreast of developments, trends, and best practices
Ability to pass a Background Check administered by local the Sheriffs Department

MassHire Holyoke Career Center Expectations of All Staff:
Actively supports through task and attitude a priority on exceptional customer service
Strives at all times to make customers feel welcomed and comfortable and provides accurate information to meet their needs
Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with co-workers and customers from diverse backgrounds
Exhibits professionalism by attendance, punctuality, appearance, demeanor and the willingness to ask questions and seek support when needed
Willingness to attend various seminars, workshops, conferences, classes, community events, etc. necessary to keep abreast of developments, trends, and best practices
Participates in cross-departmental teams and committees as needed and appropriate
Generates ideas to make MHH a better place