Job Details

Lead Career Development Specialist

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

The Lead Career Development Specialist for Veterans Employment Services will assist the Career Development Supervisor in job development and administrative duties. The Lead Career Development Specialist is responsible for the execution and delivery of employment services for a small team of Career Development Specialists. Must have demonstrated technical expertise, strong people skills, and leadership qualities. This professional must be available to assist the Supervisor with training, data collection, and assist the Career Development Specialist in keeping their files within contract standards. The Lead will ensure accuracy and quality of information reported to the Program Supervisor. The Lead will be the primary source of tracking and reporting information for specific employment services location. Works as part of an employment services team serving clients in specific geographic areas. Lead will be responsible for job development and sharing contacts with the Career Development Specialist. The Lead will also be responsible for the following:

• Responsible for managing an assigned caseload of clients, providing comprehensive career development guidance and support.
• Train and implement a comprehensive plan outlining activities, goals, and community referrals for each participant.
• Conduct thorough assessments of job seekers to gather information on their skills, experience, and needs.
• Draft service plans that complement plans.
• Attend meetings with the Program Supervisor, funders, or employers seeking to hire veterans.
• Provide leadership and support to other Employment Career Specialist while also delivering direct services to clients seeking employment.
• The Lead will be involved in training the team based on guidance from the Program Supervisor.
• Ensuring that career development specialists support the program's needs and priorities.
• Planning and organizing the timing of various development programs and events.
• Assist the Program Supervisor in capturing data for Salesforce and any internal CIS reports.
• Train and become secondary user for the VGRS system required by DOL.
• Responsible to submit quarterly VGRS reports to the Department of Labor.
• Collaborate with the other Supervisor to ensure timely and accurate submission of VGRS reports for all grants, providing coverage as needed.
• Train, mentor, and supervise the team, ensuring effective service delivery and positive outcomes.
• Create and track all new projects created within the Veteran Employment Services (VES) Department.
• Create working relationships with community partners with referrals, training, and workshops.
• Assess and monitor all workshops for our homeless veterans who need the skills in resume building or interviewing.
• Coordinate training programs and workshops to enhance job seekers.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers to secure job opportunities for program participants.
• Arrange interviews and support job seekers in securing employment.
• Explore added resources to share with the Career Development Specialist that will assist homeless veterans.
• Collaborate with America Job Centers, EDDs, and CoCs for veteran referrals.
• Assist the Program Supervisor in creating and reviewing program policies and conduct training to review the changes.
• Developing individualized employment plans, conducting assessments, providing career counseling, and building relationships with employers.
• Play a role in job readiness training, job placement, and job retention support.
• Create flyers and marketing materials to promote job readiness workshops, hiring, events, and program services.
• Cultivate employer partnerships to create recruitment opportunities for program participants.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend training as assigned.
• Prepare regular activity reports.
• Other duties as assigned

Ability to walk, stand, bend squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum qualifications:

• Annual Driving Test and MVR check
• An extensive criminal background, drug and motor vehicle checks, as well as keeping current on all Salvation Army Child Safety and Protect the Mission guidelines will be processed.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to conduct job-related essential functions.
• 2 years of experience in Homeless services and 2 years of experience in a Leadership position. Associate of Arts strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in employment services.

Skills, knowledge & abilities:

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army and Community Integration Services.
• Able to represent the Salvation Army to employers and community organizations.
• Knowledge: Vocational Development Planning
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Veteran status a plus
• Ability to work well with others and committed to the vision that CIS/VES be a program of excellence.