Workforce Navigator
Workforce Navigator
Department: Workforce Development Programs
Reports To: Workforce Development Programs Manager
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Wage Range: 7/8
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (SPIPA) Workforce Development Programs Manager, the Workforce Navigator is responsible for supporting program clients in obtaining training, industry-recognized certificates and academic degrees that best align with their occupational goals. The position is part of the Workforce Development Programs team which supports the consortium Tribes in increasing Tribal member employability through workforce development, education, and training programs. The position is based at the Intertribal Professional Center, Shelton, WA, but will require regular travel to Tribal Sites (located in Nisqually, Squaxin Island, and Skokomish) as well as County Sites (located in Bremerton and Tacoma).
Responsibilities:
- Identify and assess barriers to client employment and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Utilize tools such as Barriers to Employment Success Inventory (BESI), and other evaluations to obtain information for defining clients’ needs.
- In conjunction with the client, case manager, and in coordination with a client’s Individual Success Plan (ISP), develop vocational and educational plans that fit clients’ aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Create and maintain employment and training resource boards at each site and on-line.
- Monitor and record clients’ progress in coordination with their case manager, to ensure that goals and objectives are met; keep all relevant staff updated on progress.
- Meet regularly with clients and their case managers to discuss their options and goals so that programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Develop employment opportunities such as non-subsidized employment, subsidized employment, and work experience (WEX) opportunities.
- Work with clients and case managers to place clients into appropriate employment opportunities and monitor progress.
- Maintain close contact with case managers during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy and efficacy.
- Prepare and maintain records and case files (electronic and paper), including documentation such as clients’ personal and eligibility information, services provided, narrative case notes of client contacts, and relevant correspondence.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community resources such as: WorkSource, WorkForce Central, WWIETP, Goodwill Industries, and local colleges and Universities. Keep staff and clients updated on resources.
- Develop and provide instruction to individuals or small groups with an emphasis on work search, work force preparation and work retention.
- Work with institutions of higher education to develop referral systems for clients in need of support with financial aid, registration, testing, and other issues related to successful matriculation.
- Develop and facilitate other trainings including, but not limited to, resume writing, interviewing skills, job retention, job search, dressing to impress, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
The Workforce Navigator, as an employee of the South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency, is expected to collaborate, engage, and work closely with all SPIPA programs to fully support the agency’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values in accordance with all agency directives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Education, Social Work or related field preferred and a minimum of one (1) year experience providing employment and training services to low income adults; or
- An Associate’s Degree in Education, Administration, Human Services or related field and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing employment and training services to low income adults; or
- Consideration of a High School Diploma and a minimum of a five (5) years’ experience providing employment and training services to adults with low income.
- One year experience working in a Native American community preferred.
- Must have knowledge of the Federal and State TANF regulations.
- Must have strong computer skills with five plus years using Microsoft Office or similar software.
- Ability to work constructively in difficult situations and resolve conflict effectively.
- Must be able to work in a team environment.
- Proven ability to make decisions and work independently.
- Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license and have proof of auto insurance.
- Pass a Pre-Employment Drug Screen Test.
- Pass a background investigation including confirmation of work experience.
Essential Functions/Physical Abilities: Bending at the waist; sitting for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to read reports and data; occasionally lifting medium objects generally less than 25 pounds. Ability to travel to conferences and other SPIPA or Tribal Community locations.
Salary/Fringe Benefits: Compensation for this position has a starting range of $22.30 - $24.71 per hour (based on a 37.5 hour week). Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and agency contribution to a retirement program.
Confidentiality: This position will have knowledge of confidential personal information regarding others. The employee will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and adhere to applicable standards.
Equal Opportunity: SPIPA is an equal opportunity employer. However, Native American preference applies in that we seek to hire qualified enrolled members of SPIPA consortium Tribes, federally recognized Tribes or Alaska Natives. Minimum qualifications must be fully met for all applicants to be considered for employment.
Drug-free Workplace: SPIPA is committed to providing a drug-free workplace for its employees, volunteers and the communities it serves. This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.
To Apply: Complete a SPIPA Employment Application packet and send with cover letter describing how your values align with SPIPA’s and how your qualifications align with this position, with resume including three work related references to:
Dolly Garcia, Human Resources Manager
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
3104 SE Old Olympic Hwy
Shelton, WA 98584
360.462.3212
SPIPA Employment application is available online at http://www.spipa.org under Agency & Job Opportunities or by calling (360) 426-3990
Application screening will begin, Friday March 22, 2019.
Open until filled