Social Service Specialist **$250 Sign On Bonus**

The Company:

FareStart is a James Beard Award-winning nonprofit organization that transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training.

We are committed to creating a diverse employee environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Women, People of Color, and Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community are encouraged to apply.

The Job:

The Social Service Specialist provides case management support to our adult students to support them in their personal and employment goals. The Social Service Specialist uses a trauma informed approach to work with students from diverse backgrounds that are furthest from opportunity. This support includes guiding access to resources, teaching soft skills and job preparedness curriculum, and coaching needed to successfully complete training and retain long-term employment. The Social Service Specialist provides support that includes coordinating housing, mental health and substance use services, childcare, assisting students in navigating justice system involvement and other barriers to employment. Working with the students to identify goals and transferable skills will inform how the Social Service Specialist will guide the student through the training program. The Social Service Specialist is the key advocate for FareStart students throughout the program--from enrollment through training, graduation, employment, and up to one year of post-graduate support.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage case load of assigned students and graduates.
• Develop and implement an individual training plan for each student.
• Employ appropriate intervention methods and techniques to assist trainees and graduates so that they can create and achieve personal and professional goals.
• Identify and provide emergency crisis intervention as appropriate.
• Assist trainees in accessing resources for housing, health services; government assistance; legal assistance; additional education; and other basic needs.
• Ensure all documentation is timely, accurate and compliant with FareStart and grant requirements
• Track housing progression, employment, and employment retention.
• Facilitate & supervise in person and virtual job preparedness classes and job clubs.
• Work collaboratively with team members across the organization to ensure effective support for their clients

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience working with individuals with barriers to employment, such as substance use disorder, criminal history, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or inconsistent work history.
• One-year relevant education and/or experience with case management.·
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom for virtual class facilitation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Emotional maturity; positive, low-stress behavior, in words and actions.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed mental health counselor or certified chemical dependency professional a plus.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff.
• Ability to read words and numbers.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Must be able to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Combination remote work and in office work required due to agency practices for COVID-19
• COVID-19 Consideration: In accordance with Washington state law, FareStart requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Paid time-off (3 weeks first year of employment) and paid holidays
• 401(k) savings plan
• Health, disability, and life insurance
• Free ORCA pass
• Free Shift Meal (when on-site)

The Location: 700 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Why Should You Apply?

• Be part of our mission to disrupt poverty.
• Join a supportive, respectful, and celebratory community among our staff, students, board, and volunteers
• Organizational commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
• FareStart encourages the personal and professional growth of its employees

OUR COMMITMENT TO ANTIRACISM

FareStart defines antiracism as the clear acknowledgment that racism permeates organizations, communities, and industries, including our own. We recognize that we have a duty to be vigilant in addressing and confronting racism in how we make decisions, show up in our communities, build business practices and policies, and engage in intentional partnerships and philanthropic endeavors to fulfill our mission and vision.

Go to: https://www.farestart.org/careers