Coordinator, Second Chance Programs

The Chicago Transit Authoritys (CTA) Second Chance Program provides individuals who face barriers to employment with an opportunity to obtain full-time temporary employment and training through positions cleaning CTA trains buses and facilities. Under general supervision this position coordinates and executes special Workforce Partnerships initiatives focused on enhancing the employability and work experience of program participants through comprehensive Second Chance Programs. Coordinates the development of additional initiatives of similar purpose according to departmental goals and objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development/Coordination:

o Contributes to the strategic planning content development and implementation of the Second Chance Programs.

o Creates and executes the Second Chance Programs policies procedures and safety standards.

o Conducts work site visits during all shifts to provide guidance and support to program participants and to ensure ongoing case management.

o Develops and coordinates other projects and programs. This includes developing program goals objectives timelines and the development the organization coordination facilitation and implementation of programs.

o Performs administrative duties related to the development execution and marketing of the Second Chance Programs.

o Coordinates participant referrals from social service agency partners and assesses job employability training based on Second Chance Programs requirements and qualifications.

Partnership Development/Relationship Building:

o Meets with social service agencies key stakeholders internal partners external partners and end users to define operations requirements and procedures.

o Participates in recruitment opportunities such as job fairs resource fairs correctional institution visits community events and networking events.

o Conducts work site visits during all shifts to provide support to supervisors.

o Works with supervisors to coach mentor and prepare Second Chance Programs participants for placement into permanent employment opportunities.

o Coordinates with Human Resources on temporary and permanent hire opportunities for the Second Chance Programs participants.

o Assists with Second Chance Programs partnership recruitment on boarding and off boarding process.

Data Management:

o Prepares and maintains program data to produce weekly and monthly reports regarding the Second Chance Programs to be distributed externally and internally throughout the Authority.

o Maintains updated records for the Second Chance Programs and participants.

Program Evaluation:

o Evaluates and updates the Second Chance Programs daily while coordinating the intervention and maintenance of their respective deployment cycles.

o Executes long term strategic planning that aligns with department goals vision and objectives by anticipating challenges and leveraging available resources.

o Audits current and historical program files and data for analysis communication and reporting.

o Contributes to the strategic planning and implementation of program and partnership evaluations.

Coaching/Training and Professional Development:

o Attends meetings seminars conferences or webinars as well as research community events articles books and websites to regularly obtain updated information and other relevant resources for the Second Chance Programs.

o Assists with facilitating workshops orientations professional development career pathing and coaching for Second Chance Programs participants.

o Delivers stand up marketing orientation and training presentations as necessary to a variety of audiences; presents information using a variety of instructional techniques or formats such as role playing simulations team exercises group discussions videos or lectures.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

Second Chance Programs participants

CHALLENGES

Ensuring adequate support and supervision is maintained for all individuals participating in Second Chance Programs throughout various Authority locations.

Ensuring that criteria for special programs meet Authority and partner expectations.

Maintaining communication internally and externally with various outside agencies.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors Degree in Social Work Sociology Criminal Justice Education or professional designation in a related field or a combination of education and experience related to this position.

Three (3) years of experience working in or with a social service agency.

Experience working with individuals with barriers to employment.

Experience developing and implementing trainings workshops meetings and other associated learning and development events.

Valid State of Illinois Drivers License is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of basic employability skills and competencies.

General knowledge of MS Office and learning management systems.

Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power Point skills.

Strong project management skills and ability to execute from start to finish.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Strong presentation skills.

Strong organizational skills analytical ability and problem solving skills.

Good customer-service skills and a positive attitude.

Ability to coordinate multiple initiatives balance competing priorities and meet deadlines with timeliness and accuracy.

Ability to present to a diverse range of audiences.

Ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with diverse groups.

Ability to adapt in a fast-paced large system environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

Will be required to travel to various field locations thus exposed to working conditions of the partner social service agencies colleges universities bus garages rail terminals and shops.

At times may need to work during off hours (conducting training coaching and support in all three shifts to field locations).

EQUIPMENT TOOLS AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

Standard office equipment.

Personal computer and related software.

Possible access to CTA vehicle.