The Career and Vocational Development Specialist works within the Vocational Development team to implement and lead a biblically-informed, comprehensive career development pathway for long term program participants and shelter guests. Integral parts of this pathway include: career exploration; standardized evaluations; soft/durable skills training; resume and interviewing skills; theology of work; vocational training; and, job attainment and retention. Teaching responsibility is expected within the vocational and educational curriculum including soft/durable skills, theology of work, and general tutoring. Additional activities include resume development, mock interviewing, vocational training coordination and career coaching.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Function as a positive contributing staff member of City Union Mission by timely communication, participation in meetings, strategic planning, data management, supplying reports and statistics, and problem solving to ensure unity with the purpose and goals of the Mission
Administer widely recognized, or evidence-based, career, personality, and interest profilers to program participants and using the results to guide career coaching sessions
Deliver a comprehensive soft/durable skills curriculum based on widely recognized, or evidence-based resources
Deliver a comprehensive theology of work curriculum based on biblical and widely recognized church resources within the Mission’s faith statements
Execute resume development, mock interviews, and a post-Mission work or community contribution plan for each participant
Develop strong, ongoing relationships with area employers to encourage hiring and long term retention of Mission participants, especially those employers with Mission/Christian commitments or high views of employee development
Establish long term partnerships with vocational training organizations, making these opportunities available to program participants
Maintain a professional understanding of developments within career coaching and counseling and vocational development attending associated professional conferences and trainings
Teaching responsibility for the vocational and educational curriculum
Perform other duties as required
City Union Mission Requirements:
Be a born again, mature Christian able to clearly communicate the Gospel as opportunities arise during the workday. (1 Peter 2:21, 3:15)
Have a desire to serve the Lord through widely varied responsibilities to advance ministry to those currently homeless, and the urban poor of Kansas City, with a compassionate heart.
Agree to City Union Mission’s Statement of Ministry:
Be a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed by personal testimony and conduct.
Be a member in good standing of a recognized protestant, evangelical church for one year or more.
Have a genuine concern for the ministry of City Union Mission.
Have a minimum of one year of sobriety from alcohol and drugs and six months from tobacco.
Agree to abstain from alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and tobacco while employed by City Union Mission.
Have a lifestyle that is free of sexual sin as clearly defined in the Bible.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Ability to effectively engage individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, and substance use disorder in coaching, strengths-based perspective, trauma informed care, and motivational interviewing.
De-escalation and crisis prevention techniques
Teaching, mentoring, and career coaching capacities
Biblical literacy
Windows computing environment, Google environment (Drive and Applications)
Education and Experience:
Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in career services, human resources, management, social services or related fields
Experience
Preferred: 2 years of related experience.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting/standing/kneeling, etc.
Ability to ascend/descend stairs multiple times throughout the shift.
Must be able to lift 30 pounds at times.
Must be able to operate motor vehicles, such as 15-passenger vans.
Travel Requirements:
Ability to drive to our campuses in Kansas City and in Warsaw.
