Community Navigation Specialist

Overview

"We aim to cultivate a thriving clean energy workforce, fostering both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity for all Illinois residents. As Governor JB Pritzker emphasizes, our goal is to ensure that every individual in Illinois can access well-paying jobs of the future, all while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has overseen the implementation of workforce and economic development initiatives outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). These initiatives are designed to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the clean energy sector and to support the expansion of clean energy businesses. Importantly, CEJA programs prioritize individuals residing in communities that have historically encountered economic challenges and environmental degradation. The overarching objective is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce within the clean energy industry, thereby addressing systemic disparities and fostering equitable growth."

Job Description

The Community Navigation Specialist serves to actively engaging with the community to share information about upcoming clean energy job opportunities. They educate individuals on various employment options and guide them toward educational institutions for necessary training, facilitating a smooth transition to more lucrative careers. This role involves leadership responsibilities that enhance professional development and improve leadership skills. Additionally, the Specialist helps train staff, ensuring they meet standards during outreach events and weekly facilitation sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fully grasp the Mission and Vision of SER and the CEJA grant, ensuring you possess the essential information to become the ideal brand ambassador. Your role is to accurately educate the community on how SER and CEJA are dedicated to serving them.

Establish and nurture connections with schools, training centers, higher education institutions, religious institutions, businesses, shelters, and other relevant entities with the goal of delivering presentations to students, faculty, congregations, and other audiences about career opportunities in clean energy and ways to engage in this field.

Punctuality, articulate communication, and self-motivation are essential. It is important to hold oneself accountable to meet the weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly community engagement goals outlined in the CEJA contractual grant agreement.

Maximize branding and advertising potential by spearheading the development of marketing campaigns encompassing email, text, and Facebook blasts. Engage in community surveys, door-to-door outreach, event coordination, fundraisers, distribution of flyers and door hangers, and other promotional activities. Ensure prospective participants of CEJA are well-informed about the services offered, guiding them on the path to a brighter future.

Type speed of 50 words per minute, proficiently retrieve and analyze relevant data from surveys and contractual objectives. Compile essential information to facilitate accurate data entry tasks. Subsequently, organize results on spreadsheets and ensure timely submission to the direct supervisor.

Demonstrates a positive demeanor, maintains a professional appearance, and exhibits a fervent commitment to bridging the gap of poverty, striving for equal opportunities for all to pursue lucrative careers and attain financial independence. Displays genuine interest, empathy, and comprehension towards individuals impacted by systemic oppression. Willingness to undertake additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

The applicant must possess a fully insured vehicle and be willing to transport marketing materials to each location for presentation purposes. This role entails extensive outreach and local travel to promote community awareness.

Take on extra daily responsibilities to enhance and refine your leadership skills. This will equip you with the necessary abilities and strategies to transition into higher leadership or management positions in the future.

The individual should be able to lift at least 20 to 50 pounds.

"Applicants should possess a vibrant energy and be adept at interacting with unfamiliar individuals in a professional capacity, effectively communicating the range of services provided by SER and CEJA."

Exceptional communication abilities, adept in collaborating with individuals impacted both directly and indirectly by systemic oppression.

Ability to travel to various locations in Chicago and valid Illinois driver’s license.

Proficiency in computer applications is required, along with the ability to successfully pass a criminal background check. Also, candidates must demonstrate the capacity to work a full workday weekly.

Desired Qualifications

Passionate about recruitment with some sales experience, possessing a BA/BS degree in education, social services, youth development, psychology, or a related field, or currently pursuing such a degree, along with two years of relevant work experience. Bilingual in Spanish, residing near the primary office, with a deep understanding of the Little Village community and its inhabitants.

Even if you do not meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply anyway! Research indicates that marginalized communities, including women and people of color, often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Central States SER we are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace where everyone feels they belong. So, if you are enthusiastic about this role but your previous experience does not perfectly match every qualification in the job description, we urge you to still consider applying. You might be the ideal candidate for this position or another opportunity within our organization!

Central States SER

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