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Central States SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc. ("SER") is a private, non-profit organization providing community-based services to at-risk youth in various program formats. Our Youth Offender Expansion Project in Chicago, IL is seeking to fill the position of Program Quality Coordinator with a dynamic youth development professional that is committed to program quality and the implementation of national best practices.

POSITION TITLE: Career Development Specialist
REPORTS TO: Varies
SUMMARY: Responsible for conducting career management activities and providing supportive services to eligible customers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Adheres to the mission of the corporation.
2. Interviews customers or their authorized representatives to gather information to assess service needs.
3. Performs visits to customers’ homes and training provider’s sites.
4. Develops and implements service plans to meet customer needs.
5. Coordinates service provider activities.
6. Implements prescribed program-related procedures and accurate case management.
7. Provides ongoing case management and serves as a liaison between customers, and service providers.
8. Manages a comprehensive caseload.
9. Identifies problem areas and service gaps.
10. Documents case records and prepares reports.
11. Identifies and may prepare reports to supervisor on areas that are barriers to services for customers.
12. Interprets policies and procedures. Makes recommendations to management on policy and procedures changes.
13. Uses personal computer to input information and maintain case reporting on various automated reporting systems used by the corporation and local Workforce System.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of WIA performance requirements; community resources; of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods; and of program policies and procedures.
2. Ability to communicate effectively; to assess customer needs; to provide guidance to other staff; and to assist with management activities.
3. Knowledge of, or ability to learn and use, IWDS, and other automated reporting systems.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access).
5. Ability to make frequent visits to customers’ homes and training providers’ sites.
6. Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, administration and other employees.
7. Excellent written and oral communications skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social work or a related field is generally preferred.
2. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted for degree.
3. Experience in social work, counseling, career planning, placement, or related field.
4. Bilingual is a plus.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
2. Must have access to reliable transportation in order to make required home visits.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Send resume and coverletter to tburris@centralstatesser.org