CAREERS AT FORGE CITY WORKS

Position Summary

As the Employment Services Specialist at Forge City Works, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our program by developing and managing strategic partnerships with employers, equipping trainees with the necessary skills for job placement, and providing ongoing support to our graduates. You will be responsible for overseeing the culinary externship program, coordinating job placement services, and ensuring our trainees are well-prepared for the workforce. Your role will also involve classroom teaching, data management, professional development initiatives, and collaborating with the Program Director to drive the overall success of Forge City Works. 

Responsibilities

•  Manage and expand a culinary externship program with 3-4 Employment Partners to provide valuable hands-on experience for trainees. 
• Develop a comprehensive system to ensure trainees are “Send Out Ready” by providing resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and other necessary job readiness skills.
• Lead our Job Placement services, including coordinating job fairs, networking events, and maintaining relationships with employers to secure employment opportunities for our trainees.
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to our graduates who are currently employed, ensuring their success and assisting with career advancement.
• Conduct onsite visits with externs and recently graduated trainees to evaluate their progress, offer guidance, and ensure their continued growth and development.
• Track and input data related to trainee placements, employer partnerships, and program outcomes to generate reports and analyze program effectiveness.
• Provide professional development and managerial training opportunities for Level 3 trainee participants to enhance their skills and career prospects.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data collection, entry, and analysis, using relevant software and tools to manage program data effectively.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience. 
• Proven experience in job placement, career counseling, or related roles, preferably within the hospitality or culinary industry.
• Strong understanding of resume writing, job interviewing techniques, and job readiness skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with trainees, employers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in data collection, entry, and analysis using relevant software and tools.
• Posses a valid driver’s license and/or ability to travel locally to visit trainees and job sites.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Forge City Works, with a passion for promoting equal opportunities and social justice.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) principles and their practical implementation. 

Competencies 

• Core Competencies Across All Roles:
  • Commitment to Forge City Works Mission
  • Knowledge of Forge City Works theory of change and program model
  • Ability to build transformative relationships
  • Experience in data entry with ability to use data to inform work
  • Ability to apply cognitive behavioral skills
  • Knowledge of culinary and hospitality industry (with experience preferred)
  • Ability to engage in motivational interviewing in order to help participants execute plans to improve their lives

• Role-Specific Core Competencies:
  • Subject Matter Expertise: In-depth knowledge and experience in the hospitality and culinary industry, including culinary techniques, customer service, food safety, and other relevant areas.
  • Instructional Design: Skill in developing and delivering engaging and effective training sessions, workshops, and practical exercises.
  • Adaptability: Capacity to adjust training approaches to meet the diverse learning styles and needs of trainees.
  • Coaching and Feedback: Ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance to trainees to enhance their skills, confidence, and professional growth.
  • Industry expertise and in-depth knowledge in culinary techniques and effective kitchen management and leadership
  • Ability to instruct and coach participants in hard skills development, in classroom, lab, and on-the-job setting
  • Ability to supervise, give effective feedback, and hold participants accountable

About Forge City Works :

Forge City Works is a dynamic social enterprise based in Hartford, Connecticut, dedicated to empowering individuals through job training and community support. Our mission is to provide pathways to economic self-sufficiency for individuals facing barriers to employment. We achieve this by offering comprehensive job training programs, equipping our participants with the skills they need to succeed in the culinary and customer service industries. At Forge City Works, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens our organization and enhances our impact in the community.  

Our Mission  :
Forge City Works serves people in the Hartford community who have barriers to employment by providing job training in the food and hospitality industry to help them achieve sustainable careers.  

Long-term Outcome Goal for Our Trainees :

12-month continuous employment on a career path post-program.  

Our Core Values :

• We know people can change their lives  
• We are committed to using food as an educational and community-building tool  
• We meet people where they are  
• We are passionate about sustainable social enterprise 

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $52,000 – $57,000 per year 
• Medical insurance with 80% company coverage
• $25,000 in life insurance
• 3% match on retirement Simple IRA
• 20 days of paid time off (PTO)
• Short-term disability insurance
• Access to supplemental AFLAC, vision, and dental insurance
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program

To Apply: 

Please email your resume to becky@forgecityworks.org.

DEIB Commitment

All Forge City Works business ventures and entities thread diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through everything we do and most importantly, at the heart of who we are. This is embodied and demonstrated through our shared values and culture at every level and area of our organization, including customer and guest services, and workforce training.   We are proud to offer a “people first” culture that supports those who have multidimensional life experiences, perspectives, and skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our collective impact will be.