Job Title:	TANF Employment Development Specialist
Program:	Tribal TANF Program of Sonoma and Marin
Reports to:	TANF Human Services Director
Classification:	Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s Tribal Family TANF Program of Sonoma and Marin Counties serves needy Indian families with temporary cash assistance and supportive services. The Program provides parent or caretaker participants with job preparation, work related assistance and other supportive services enabling families to become self-sufficient. It is the intent of the Program that particular attention is paid to culturally relevant services and preservation of Indian families.

The Employment Development Specialist provides employment and training services to Tribal TANF clients under the direction of the TANF Human Services Director. The Employment Development Specialist will contribute to program development and assist in the expansion of prevention services. This will include designing programs that support coordination of services among the TANF Service Units to serve both cash assistance and non-cash assistance families. The incumbent in this position will provide direct support to case managers that have ongoing an intensive interaction with TANF clients. The incumbent helps the individual client to set goals for themselves for education, training and employment. The incumbent will assist the client and/or case manager in considering alternative and creative choices based on the client's current skills and strengths, and may direct the client to appropriate training options that meet their needs and abilities. Monitoring and evaluation of the progress plan or professional development plan is part of the services offered. Provide support and assistance to help job seekers stay on track and focused on their goals and specific programs. The incumbent works as part of a team of professionals that help individuals in the Native American community. Good interpersonal skills, excellent communication, and an ability to work well with both individuals and businesses in the community are required. Teamwork and understanding of clients needs is very important in helping match the job and training with the TANF client. The incumbent will also market, develop, outreach, and cultivate job openings with hiring managers, human resources personnel, and business owners for immediate and direct hiring of adults, and/or youth with various employment and educational backgrounds, including ex-offenders; market job seekers by visiting employers, participating in job fairs, cold calls, research, follow-ups, etc.; match adult, dislocated workers, and/or youth job seekers to employers; screen potential applicants; directly arrange/coordinate interviews with job seekers and hiring managers, etc.; carry out management’s directives/decisions regarding program planning and the delivery of services; work effectively with clients in evaluating career options, selecting appropriate training programs and developing individualized training and employment service plans; evaluate clients’ progress and appropriateness of employment; provide employment preparation and retention activities, follow-up services, and general employment coordination duties; prepare and maintain accurate reports; and participate in client/program team meetings, conferences, and training activities. Conducting off-site assessments, eligibility screening, and service delivery is required, and performing other related duties as necessary within the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a mechanism to track assessments of clients which will provide measurable data on the effectiveness of the program services, as well as the individual progress of clients.
• Analyze local workforce trends and forecast future employment sector availability.
• Conducts interviews with individuals and/or businesses for the purpose of assessing employment and workforce needs.
• Develops service strategies for individuals and/or businesses for the purpose of assisting to accomplish their employment and workforce goals.
• The incumbent will also market, develop, provide outreach, and cultivate job openings with hiring managers, human resources personnel, and business owners for the immediate and direct hiring of adults and/or youth with various employment and educational backgrounds.
• Provide pre-placement services to clients in an individual or group setting that includes information of job preparation, emphasis will be placed on self esteem and the reality of the job search and employer expectations.
• Develop guidance and small business models for clients who choose to develop their own businesses.
• Provide post placement services to clients to maximize job retention, including check in with employer, client reviews, monitoring of client’s job performance and continual coaching.
• Prepare billings, purchase requisitions accurately and in a timely manner. Prepare written reports and documents program performance to TANF Human Services Director and Tribal Council as needed.
• Work with, Case Coordinators in an ongoing effort to improve student/client training experiences, and expanding the program to include: in house certificated programs, vocational training, workforce development, Individual Development Accounts, Small Business Development.
• Assist clients/students with a positive, supportive, constructive, professional and respectful approach.
• Assists in the development and delivery of training workshops to promote professional and vocational development.
• Coordinate the development of education, employment and training plans and curriculum for participants in the TANF program and assists with the integration of client educational plans, career plans and community resources by coordinating with community partners.
• Assist Caseworkers in developing client training modules.
• Mentor TANF clients and their children in vocational and career development.
• Provides employment coaching and job shadowing for TANF clients to obtain and maintain employment and further career opportunities. This position will assist clients in developing employment plans, work opportunities, applications, resumes and other employment and skill building activities.
• Coordinate work related activities for TANF clients as delineated in TANF plan including On the Job Training and Work Experience placements.
• Assist in the development of prevention services programs to the further the purposes of the TANF plan and prevent the dependence of families on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
• Maintains files and/or records, in compliance with regulations, for the purpose of documenting services and activities.
• Maintains liaison with individuals and businesses for the purpose of program follow-up and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Meets with individuals and/or businesses as needed for the purpose of reviewing program status and ensuring goals are on track.
• Participates in a variety of meetings and events for the purpose of sharing resources and expanding program services.
• Prepares reports and other written correspondence for the purpose of updating supervisors and documenting program performance.
• Presents program information to individuals, businesses and community groups for the purpose of developing program awareness and promoting services.
• Recruits individuals and businesses into essential programs for the purpose of serving the numbers of clients required to meet program goals and performance measures.
• Responds to outside inquiries for the purpose of providing information and referring caller to the appropriate services.
• Entering required data and completing all reporting processes required.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Degree In Human Resources, Organizational Development, Training And Development, Social Work, or a closely related field with three years experience is PREFERRED; or
Associate’s Degree in education, business, psychology, social services or related field with three years work experience in counseling, education or coordinating employment and job search activities is REQUIRED.

Minimum EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Awareness of current Indian issues with regard to employment, training, and social services.
• Ability to interact and demonstrate cultural sensitivity of Indian values and culture with clientele.
• Maintain awareness and sensitivity for clientele in relation to self-sufficiency and welfare dependence.
• Strong computer skills including experience with internet research, Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, Mavis Beacon, QuickBooks and automated database systems.
• Strong history of experience in workforce development with a proven record of job placement.

SKILLS: Required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE: Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: current federal employment and training programs; adult education; labor market information and trends; and community resources.

ABILITY: Required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operates equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include communicating with diverse groups; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working as part of a team.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Tribal application with resume required. Application will reflect education and experience related to the position as advertised including a narrative demonstrating and delineating how your abilities, education and experience qualify you for this position.
• Must be willing to adhere to professional and ethical codes of conduct and agree to standards of healthy lifestyle that includes abstaining from alcohol and non-prescribed chemicals during the term of employment.
• Must successfully clear a criminal history background check to ensure no past or pending charges. Continuation of employment is contingent upon maintaining clearances.
• Must possess and maintain a valid CA Driver’s License and be eligible for the Tribes vehicle insurance.

Preference in hiring is given to: (1) Qualified Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria members; and (2) qualified American Indians in accordance with Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473. Applicants claiming Indian verification of Indian eligibility for Indian preference must submit verifying information, such as written confirmation of tribal membership or a sworn affidavit.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT P>P At-Will Employee subject to performance evaluations at least once per year.

Employee will be subject to the Tribe’s Alcohol & Drug Policy which includes pre-employment and random alcohol & drug testing.

Salary: Competitive/DOE. Strong benefits package.