Job Description

Job Classification: Participant Mentor

Summary: This position is responsible for career advisement and planning with program participants that will guide them in achieving short-and long-term employment related goals. The Participant Mentor works primarily with participants throughout their employment search and requires counseling of participants who are in training activities and/or employment searches/retention. The Participant Mentor, in conjunction with the other workforce development staff and case managers, works with the participants in identifying barriers to employment and utilizing their strengths and developing skills or resources necessary to address those barriers. The Participant Mentor will coordinate the placement of participants in subsidized positions, if applicable to the program, in concert with the Business Service team. May be responsible for site visits of participants in subsidized positions, as well as retention services for participants in either subsidized or unsubsidized jobs. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assists participants to document previous work history and determines the accuracy of work history. Assists participants with building skills to complete employment applications both online and hard copy. Assists program participants with creating a resume or with resume refinement. Completes assessment(s) as assigned, utilizing organizationally approved assessment tools. Completes an employment work plan in conjunction with other employment related services; works in conjunction with case management process when applicable. For programs without case management services present, may be required to provide essential case management duties as related to employment (e.g. child care, work clothing, referrals and linkages for services). Assists participants in identifying barriers to employment and provides necessary referrals, skill development, etc. to help participant manage such barriers. When literacy is identified as a barrier, may be required to work directly with participants to increase literacy level. Assists participants with formulating realistic career goals. Places participants in appropriate subsidized positions, as defined by program and/or contractual obligations. Assists participants with practical job searches that result in unsubsidized, full time positions. Makes site visits to program participants, conducts assessments and evaluates performance with participant and mentor as determined by program or contract requirements. Consults with job site mentor or supervisor to resolve any problems that may arise on-site. Completes all required paperwork in a neat and timely manner and in accord with program guidelines. Maintain participant files and organizational database to include all participants notes as required by program or contract guidelines, as well as demographic and employment information as needed. Strong attention to detail is required. Reacts to change productively. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience: Associates degree or the equivalent years of college and three years experience working with hard-to-employ populations with multiple barriers affecting employability. Bachelors degree preferred. Other Skills and Qualifications: Demonstrated experience utilizing strength-based language and assessment tools. Experience facilitating literacy sessions desired. Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: May be required to obtain literacy certification within six months of hire. A valid drivers license is required. Background Check: Background check/clearance may be required. Language Skills: Fluency in a second language may be required. Effective oral and written communication skills required. Ability to read and interpret documents such as policy/procedure manuals, operating and maintenance instructions. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using while numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies. Job Knowledge Demonstrated knowledge of resume preparation, specifically for individuals with little or no work history. Proficiency in varying job search techniques. Initiative and Time Management Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, manage time and complete projects in a fast-paced, changing environment with minimal supervision. Listening/Problem Solving Ability to give full attention to what others are saying, asking appropriate questions to clarify as necessary. Ability to effectively utilize strength-based assessments.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is regularly required to use hands to key, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, climb and/or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to travel and visit participants in their homes and/or institutional settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise in the work environment is moderate.