Program Specialist

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DEPARTMENT: Service Integration

REPORTS TO: Workforce Program Manager

CLASSIFICATION: 1 (FTE), Non-Exempt, Full-time, 40 hours per week, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with some evenings and weekends. Local travel- required.

Hours and Location: (Full-time/Non-Exempt)1.0(FTE) 40 hours per week, 8:30 am-5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends.

SCOPE: The goal of the Programs Specialist is to drive the effective implementation of evidence-based interventions for case management who identify as Black/African American and who have high barriers to accessing and maintaining medical care. The Specialist will assist community members by providing a variety of health, housing stability, job coaching, and wellness-focused services to individuals who have self-identified as desiring support. Services provided should include a wide range of support, services, and advocacy that contributes to participants’ ability to take control of their livelihood and improve their quality of life. Typical services include health navigation, education, job coaching, offering short-term financial assistance, informal counseling and case management, referrals to, and navigation of community resources. The navigator will be responsible for tracking all progress and providing updates regarding all support to participants.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Outreach and Case Management

Conduct ongoing case management and community outreach to reach program participants through the following activities:
Complete short-term financial assistance application packets with program participants
Collaboration with internal resources, community outreach to establish new partnerships, other nonprofits serving business and low-income residents, and partner community-based organizations.
Provide one-on-one support through case management and career coaching activities, such as screening and assessment, housing stability navigation, resume writing/review, practice interviews, career counseling, training and skills, and job application assistance.
Provide referrals (and follow-up) to community resources, health resources, and housing stabilization support. businesses/employers, and partners. Provide support and coordination for group activities, such as Program Orientations, financial empowerment workshops, tenant education events, and other employment or housing-related support.

Case Management and Tracking

Track and input (in required database) individual information, services, and performance progress
Track and input (in required database) group activities such as, program and number of attendees
Track and input (in required database) outreach to partners and service providers, such as activities, number of participants, and outcome
Track community connections and develop community resources.
Track and input regular reporting information.

Relationship Management

Maintain a relationship with funding partners, through activities such as: participating in monthly, ad hoc, and Program Navigator team meetings as needed and active participation with strategic and focused outreach.
Report and monitor deliverables (including quarterly reports, success stories, and expenditures).
Contribute to the overall agency efforts by completing other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITIES:

Commitment to and knowledge of social justice issues and the dynamics of social change, the history, and mission of the Urban League of Portland, and expertise in the present scope of Urban League service and advocacy programs.
Knowledge and understanding of structural racism and Anti-Blackness as it relates to employment, education, and employment.
Experience with case management, pre-employment activities, and job search development, especially for people of color and other marginalized groups.
Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently.
Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding participants and employees in an effective, participant-centered manner.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to participants.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication.
Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone.
Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization.
Ability to listen for understanding and assist in problem-solving.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports.
Ability to be punctual, have good attendance and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants.
Ability to participate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support the agency’s goals.
Ability to furnish proof of vaccination for COVID-19
Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto insurance and have full use of an automobile during work hours.
Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use the computer for long periods of time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (computer, photocopy machine, calculator, fax, etc.)
Ability to work on a computer for up to 8 hours per day.
Regularly required to sit for long periods of time, with periodic breaks.
Regularly required to use hands to operate computer and other office equipment.
Occasionally you may be required to climb stairs and carry/lift files and/or two reams of copy paper.
May be required to reach above head.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field or 3+ years of related work experience -preferred.
Experience working with diverse populations (specifically the Black community) providing skills development, housing stabilization services, health care navigation, career, and/or one on one pre-employment services, -required.
Experience in planning and conducting training sessions, workshops, and professional presentations- required.

BENEFITS:

Within your first year of employment the Urban League of Portland is excited to offer the following benefits after 90 days of successful employment:

Employee-paid health, vision, and dental insurance for the employee at 100% plus 100% coverage for families with HMO plans.
PPO plans start at $29.89 per individual plan.
21 days of PTO in your first year
12 paid holidays
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Life Insurance
The ability to plan and volunteer in engaging community events.
The ability to serve your community through a culturally specific lens.

About the Urban League of Portland: Established in 1945, the Urban League of Portland is one of the oldest African American service, civil rights, and advocacy organizations in the region. We are part of a network of over 92 National Urban League Affiliates across the country and are recognized as one of the leading voices for African Americans and others in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We are a key coalition-builder amongst other organizations and work extensively with both traditional and emerging groups, the faith-based community, businesses, and other organizations, including those serving immigrants and refugees. The Urban League of Portland’s mission is to empower African Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security, and quality of life. Our programs include a distinctive blend of direct services, organizing, outreach, and advocacy. We offer workforce services, community health services, summer youth programming, senior services, meaningful civic engagement opportunities, and powerful advocacy.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Urban League of Portland is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with applicable federal and state.