Employment Services Coordinator

MEND-Meet Each Need with Dignity is a nonprofit organization headquartered in

Pacoima, CA serving the crisis needs of the most vulnerable community members.

Operating the San Fernando Valley’s most extensive Community Nourishment

Programs, MEND distributes almost 4 million pounds of good food a year. And, in

alignment with MEND’s mission and long-term commitment to strengthen families and

the community, MEND helps individuals address and overcome the long-term

challenges that have kept them from thriving through our more intensive services and

programs.

MEND is seeking an experienced, self-motivated, and well-organized leader to develop

and lead a comprehensive employment services program. The ideal candidate is a

productive, high-energy person who gets things done and is passionate about

workforce development and the populations we serve. Under the direct supervision of

the Economic Empowerment Program Manager, the Employment Services Coordinator

(ESC) oversees the day-to-day operation of Gateways Employment Services (GES), and

maintains an assigned caseload, ensuring high-quality and personalized support is

provided to participants, assisting them to obtain and retain employment. Together, the

team engages assigned participants, coordinates job readiness services, and builds

robust relationships with local employers to best support the individual needs of each

participant. Services include transitional work experience, employment readiness workshops, job development, placement, and retention.

1. Oversees all Gateways Employment Services, ensuring high-quality services and

achievement of agency and funder goals for program completion, ensures

enrollment, job placement and job retention goals are met.

2. Supervises the GES Program Specialist, providing guidance and mentorship to

enhance performance and professional growth; establish and monitor key

performance indicators; identify training needs and provide support to enhance

skills.

3. Supervises GES program volunteers and TWEX participants assigned to the program,

providing guidance and mentorship, ensuring that work fosters professional growth

and supports program needs.

4. In cooperation with the Program Manager, monitors program spending and ensures

expenses are in budget and are allowable.

5. Conducts weekly community outreach to recruit eligible participants. Markets

employment services weekly to local businesses to build and maintain a referral

network for job placement opportunities. Plans and participates in job fairs.

6. Develops training materials, lesson plans, and presents workshops on topics relevant

to finding, getting, and keeping a job, such as resumes, interview preparation, job

search, etc. Leverages readily available public resources through EDD, LA City &

County and U.S. Department of Labor.

7. Maintains assigned caseload; ensures the timely and accurate development and

implementation of individual success plans with participants, maintains detailed

records and progress reports; conducts quarterly case file reviews to ensure

conformance to program expectations and participant records are complete.

8. Creates an Employer Advisory Council to stay aware of labor market trends, ensure

job readiness curriculum aligns with business needs, and to maintain strong

employer relationships.

9. Works in close coordination with the relevant MEND staff to ensure program

completion, job placement, and retention goals are met while ensuring a positive

experience for each participant.

10. Maintains strong relationships with community partners and public agencies who

can provide essential supportive services to help meet non-work-related needs of

participants.

11. Supports all efforts to continually improve the program and participant outcomes.

12. Other duties as assigned.

Bilingual English/Spanish required

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education or related field; equivalent

combination of training and experience will be considered.

3+ years’ experience providing employment services with a demonstrated

understanding of business needs and track record of providing transitional work

experience, employment readiness, job placement and retention services.

Must possess the ability to think quickly, strategically and execute new ideas in a

fast-paced environment,

The successful candidate will be able to build strong relationships with community

providers, employers and participants alike.

Can work independently – with or without direction – is a quick learner who can

achieve program goals with a “can do” attitude.

Must have strong organizational and follow-through skills, the ability to manage

multiple tasks and projects in an efficient and timely manner; able to set and meet

deadlines; adept at tracking data and program outcomes.

Experience supervising others, providing staff coaching, and holding them

accountable for meeting targets.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team

and work with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Excellent communication skills; strong written and interpersonal skills

Experience with leading engaging presentations and group training sessions.

Must have reliable transportation for offsite outreach efforts and meetings.

Familiarity with career readiness resources such as those publicly available through

DOL, City and County, EDD and others, including job sites

Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with ETO a plus;

excellent internet & research skills