Workforce Program Specialist

The Workforce Program Specialist (WPS) is an exciting opportunity for a resident of Allston or Brighton to join a team committed to supporting the employment objectives and mental health of the neighborhood. This position offers expert peer support to individuals living in advanced recovery with mental health challenges who are pursuing a job search, new career, education opportunities - or seeking advice for how best to navigate other employment-related concerns such as requesting accommodations, navigating disability & leave, and overcoming communication issues in the workplace. The position is part-time (20 hours a week) and hybrid.

The Workforce Program Specialist (WPS) ensures that residents of Allston Brighton are aware of CRC services and supports eligible individuals living with mental health challenges as they pursue their vocational next steps, offering compassionate listening and coaching to program clients through individual and group meetings and providing safe spaces for receiving and sharing information. With leadership, they will develop community opportunities for the peer community in Allston Brighton and are responsible for sharing relevant information with senior staff to support program communications and reporting. The geographic focus of this position is funded by the Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger and Charlesview Charitable Fund; in the event that funding is not renewed, the position will continue to be funded by CRC’s general operating budget without geographic constraints.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the Cole Resource Center Workforce Program training and onboarding to ensure standardized delivery of services to clients.
• Meet with clients to frame goals, offer feedback and guidance, and be an ongoing resource during their job search, career, or education coaching.
• Provide Peer Consult services as needed to address acute/one-time challenges faced by participants in their job search or workplace.
• Perform regular follow-up with participants to support and promote engagement.
• Document program participant interactions, maintain client records and collaborate with Workforce Team colleagues utilizing CRC’s secure database.
• Develop, coordinate and lead sessions of CRC’s signature Monday Workforce webinars online Job Club and other workshop, informational and upskilling opportunities.
• Create resources for program development, innovation and communications for the CRC Workforce Community use.
• Gain deep familiarity with, and contribute to, resource database to make appropriate and timely referrals.
• Use survey tools and work with CRC Leadership to track program metrics.
• Handle participant communication with compassion and total confidentiality; provide informed, empathetic and supportive guidance with confidence and discretion.
• Serve as a model of the highest level of professional behavior in both written and verbal interactions with clients.

Minimum Requirements

• Agreement with CRC’s mission and values; sharing of its commitment to support and advocate for those living with mental health conditions.
• Residence in Allston or Brighton.
• Self-identification as a member of the mental health recovery community.
• Minimum two years professional experience in advising, counseling or coaching.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, email programs, database use and conferencing softwares (Zoom, GoToWebinar, etc).
• Excellent & compassionate interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Well-organized and flexible, with strong time-management skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Confident public speaking, facilitation, presentation or teaching experience required.
• Familiarity with available resources including training programs for peers living with mental health conditions.
• Capacity to maintain strict confidentiality and manage difficult conversations, including but not limited to redirecting or releasing participants from programs.
• Access to a stable, high-speed internet connection in a private location for client and business meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Peer Specialist or other vocational services credential.
• Professional experience or training in a field adjacent to and supportive of the work of CRC such as human resources, recruiting, healthcare, counseling, education, training, or disability services or professional experience in the administration/coordination of a non-profit organization.
• Familiarity with Boston-area/Massachusetts/New England regional resources.
• Working knowledge of a second language spoken by a significant population in Allston-Brighton (Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, French, Kreyol or others)

How to Apply

Send an email with a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of 3 professional references, attached as .pdf or .doc, with the subject line “CRC Workforce Program Specialist” to crcteam@coleresourcecenter.org.

The position will remain posted until filled but applications submitted before 9am on October 20, 2025 will be given priority consideration.

English proficiency required. Working knowledge of a second language spoken by a significant population in Allston-Brighton (Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, French, Kreyol or others) is preferred but not required.