Overview:
CEJA (the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) programs were enacted by the Illinois legislature to train Illinoisans for jobs in the clean energy industry. It prioritizes Illinoisans who live in communities that have historically faced economic barriers and environmental damage with the goal of bolstering a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry.
Job Description:
This position will provide community outreach, education and enrollment assistance into the Energy Transition Navigation Program.
The CEJA Energy Transition Navigators provide outreach, education, and recruitment to eligible individuals to participate in CEJA workforce programs, and work with local job markets and workforce organizations to help place trainees in careers. The ET Navigators will provide support and career guidance for participants enrolling in the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.
The Navigators play a vital role in connecting community members with resources, services, and support systems that address their unique needs. This position requires individuals with strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and a deep commitment to serving diverse populations.
Wage / Salary: $25/hrDuties / Responsibilities:
Client Recruitment and Community Outreach
- Canvassing and recruitment.
- Educate potential participants about the CEJA programs available as well as the screening and application processes.
- Provide compassionate and empathetic support to clients as they learn about the CEJA programs and the screening process.
- Conduct thorough needs assessments of the potential participants.
- Identify any barriers that the potential participants may have with enrolling into the program and help to address them.
Community Engagement:
- Build rapport with community partners and key stakeholders.
- Collaborating with Navigation Team on outreach activities and scheduling.
- Attend partner summit meetings with CEJA partners.
- Attend community events, meetings, and other forums to stay informed about local needs and concerns and to create community awareness of CEJA programs
- Documenting and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of interactions with potential participants, community partners and key stakeholders, including referrals made and any services provided.
- Data entry of contacts, recruitment activities, and pre-screening.
- Give detailed reports on all contacts made, program activities, and in-take appointments.
Cultural Competence:
- Learn, integrate and uphold the six (6) core equity values: Diversity, Inclusion, Welcoming, Accessibility, Belonging, and Equity.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds of community members.
- Adapt communication styles and approaches to effectively engage diverse populations.
- Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals feel respected and valued.
- Assess the needs of potential participants through active listening and empathy.
Resource Referrals:
- Provide information and guidance on available resources at CEJA Hub and/or Workforce Partners.
- Ensure smooth handoff to supportive systems at CEJA Hub and/or Workforce Partners.
Advocacy and Support:
- Advocate on behalf of potential participants/applicants to ensure they receive equitable access to resources and services.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement to clients.
- Collaborate with other staff members, supporting agencies, and CEJA partners to identify and address systemic barriers and gaps in services.
- Act as a liaison for participants with training/service providers, and potential employers.
- Connect participants with options that may address barriers as they occur.
Case Management:
- Coordinate and provide case management services that are safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and client centered.
- Manage case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress, record detailed case information, and determine case closure.
- Help clients achieve self-sufficiency, self-sustainability and autonomy.
- Ensure participants receive well-coordinated services and that all parties involved (Navigators, Training Providers and Participants) are informed about the participants' progress, needs and barriers.
- Advocate for participants with training and career/employment options and provide information to aid participants in their decision making.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships and cooperation with CEJA partners.
- Assess and address all barrier issues
- Promote quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes.
- Maintain recurring interactions with participants to monitor progress and promote program participation and retention.
- Adhere to professional standards as set forth by DCEO and The Trep School.
Days per week: Monday - FridayShift: 1st ShiftQualifications:
- Associate's degree Required/ bachelor's degree Desired in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of Education, Training and Experience.
- Experience working with diverse populations in a community-based setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including participants, service/training providers, and potential employers.
- Knowledge of local resources, services, and support networks in our local community.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Experience in using computer hardware, peripherals, and standardized computer software.
- Excellent problem solving and organizational skills.
Benefits:
Health expense reimbursement up to $7200/year, Simple IRA, Paid time off, Paid holidays.
Degree Requirements: Associate Degree#J-18808-Ljbffr