Professional Development AssociateA Community of Friends (ACOF) is a nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1988 with the goal of developing housing for individuals and families with special needs. Its mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. ACOF's values are Dignity, Excellence, Community and Equity.SummaryThe Professional Development Associate (PDA) is responsible for assisting the Professional Development Coordinator during classroom instruction. The PDA keeps the learning environment clean and orderly by organizing learning materials, setting up and picking up at the end of the day. At times, the PDA will prepare educational materials, grade assignments, and assist in defusing any behavior issues or emergencies. The PDA must have solid communication skills, patience and compassion for others.
Experience working with disadvantaged populations including those who have been previously homeless living with a chronic mental disability is required.Assist Professional Development Coordinator with preparing curriculum lesson plansAssist participants in assessing their job skills for positionsInstruct individualized job seeking skills, resume writing, application procedures and interview preparationEstablish and maintain working relationships with employers, volunteer centers, community colleges, trade schools, and job development agenciesMaintain weekly contact with tenants participating in professional development programMeet individually with past program graduates to assist them in any updated career needs such as resume, job leads, college enrollment or volunteer programAssist Professional Development Coordinator in tracking program metricsResponsible for reporting abuse, as a mandated reporter which includes immediately reporting any concerns with respect to violation of a person's rights, actual and/or suspected abuseTransport tenants in ACOF van to various agencies such as, work source centers, DMV, DPSS and other agenciesAssist in coordinating and managing the mentorship aspect of the professional development programRequirementsTo perform effectively in this position, the Professional Development Associate must have:Six months working in the job development fieldOne (1) year working in the homeless social services/client advocacy with people who have a mental illness or substance use addictionOne (1) year experience utilizing a client tracking database systemProficiency with Microsoft software programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)Six (6) months experience utilizing evidence based practices in a social services fieldValid California driver's licenseAccess to a personal vehicle to be used to conduct ACOF businessAbility to meet California minimum and ACOF insurance requirementsAbility to lift 30 poundsPreferred QualificationsBilingual (English/Spanish)BA in Social Services FieldProficiency with the HMIS systemKnowledge of the Coordinated Entry System and a familiarity with the VI-SPDATCommunicate effectively both in verbal and written formatsSensitivity and appreciation of diverse tenant populations as a benchmark to effectively promote community and independent living skillsExtensive knowledge of the Team Concept and ability to navigate a variety of social service systemsExperience working in a setting striving towards a team-building environmentWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.Salary Description $22.00 - $26.00 hourly