ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Youth and Community Development, provides supervision to MYTIME Supervisor, Workforce Development Supervisor, Case Workers and Employment Specialists in the Workforce Development programs. Directs workforce development and support services to assist program participants in developing employment skills to better obtain and maintain employment. Responsible for youth recruitment, interviews and assessment, as well as job development and employer cultivations. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Frequent utilization of personal vehicle. Effective use of oral and written communications skills. Workforce Development Manager must have the flexibility to adjust work schedule to the needs of the program, including 24 hours, 7 days per week on call responsibility. RESPONSIBILITIES: Cultivate a vision for the continued growth of Lawrence Hall's workforce development service array. This includes networking with potential partners and funders, marketing of Lawrence Hall services, supporting grant writing efforts and engaging in strategic planning for the program. Maintain a trauma informed and youth-centered philosophy to workforce development services. Cultivate employer relationships that lead to successful job placement and career growth for program participants. Complete program reports, data entry, and program compliance as required by the agency and funder. Model the principles of employment success taught during the pre-employment curriculum. Maintain connections to internal and external programs/services to provide a holistic approach to job readiness, placement and retention. Provide regular (at least bi-weekly) documented supervision to supervisees. Set a positive example for employees, is a role model. Support and train employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills. Promote professional growth in employees, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary. Ensure employees attend training related to being trauma informed-at least two every twelve months. Mediate personnel conflicts with respect and dignity. Understand the impact of secondary trauma and workplace stress and use strategies to prevent, minimize and/or help employees heal and recover. Ensure assessment tools used to inform practice and treatment include screens for trauma exposure. Maintain fidelity of trauma focused interventions and treatment modalities. Facilitate weekly team meetings. Provide on the job training, mentor new and established employees. Develop or modify work plans and determine work priorities. Use active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect. Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences. Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment. Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery. Maintain personal area and program service areas in a neat and orderly fashion. Ability to multitask and manage time effectively. Attend all employee meetings and in-service training as required. Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement as required. Effectively communicate with referring agencies and/or case managers regarding participant needs, placement and program services. Work directly with the Vice President of Youth and Community Development to enhance programming, policies, and procedures for Workforce Development within the department. Maintain a professional standard when representing the agency or participants. Engage in continuing education and professional development in an effort to provide best practice. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Master's Degree preferred or a bachelor's degree with at least 5 years related work experience. 3 years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred. Experience with DCFS wards preferred. Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength-based approach preferred. Knowledge and experience with the local workforce sector and industries of high growth in the local market. Strong sales ability. Must be flexible, amiable&willing to work as part of a team. Must be highly organized, detail focused, have excellent time management and possess strong computer skills. Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance. Valid Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin Drivers license and clearance through DCFS. No history of child abuse or neglect. Additional Benefits/Perks: Lawrence Hall will be providing stipends to any employee who is approved to transport youth in their own vehicle as part of their duties. The stipend will be $150/month. We will also be providing a $75/month stipend to those who do not transport youth. A $10/month wellness stipend will be provided to those employees who provide proof of their gym membership or payment for a fitness app. This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V J-18808-Ljbffr