Community Impact Specialist : Career Developme

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Community Impact Specialist : Career Development / Job Readiness

STATUS : Full Time (on site)

FLSA STATUS : Exempt

CUSTOMARY HOURS : M-F, 8 hours / day

LOCATION : East Garfield Park and Lincoln Park

HOURS / WEEK : 40 hours

DEPARTMENT : Community Connections Connections

DIRECT SUPERVISOR : Sr. Director of Community Engagement and Education Manager of Community Impact Services or Programs

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES : None

Vision

To disrupt the generational cycle of poverty for the families we serve.

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

1. Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.

2. A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals.

3. Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.

4. Client / customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one’s self professionally.

5. Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary

The Community Impact Specialist – Career / Job Readiness plays a vital role within the Community Connections Department, supporting individuals and families in achieving economic stability and growth through the GROW (Growing Roots of Wealth) program. This position focuses on empowering community members by providing access to meaningful career and job readiness resources that support long-term financial well-being.

Working under general supervision and as part of a collaborative team, the Community Impact Specialist helps participants navigate and access a variety of services including job search assistance, resume and cover letter development, application support, interview preparation, and referrals to workforce training or educational opportunities. The role is client-centered, with a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships and addressing barriers to employment through trauma-informed and equitable practices.

This specialist will serve as a key connector between participants and a network of community-based organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Through outreach, partnerships, and ongoing support, the Community Impact Specialist ensures that individuals are linked with resources that best align with their career goals and life circumstances.

Ideal candidates are empathetic, organized, and solutions-driven professionals with a passion for advancing economic equity and building community capacity. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of neighbors striving to achieve lasting financial independence.

Duties & Responsibilities

Impacting a poverty mindset through holistic personal, professional and career development awareness raising, resource provision and support across generations.

Participant-Centered Career Support

• Coordinate and Deliver Services : Provide one-on-one, person-centered support to individuals seeking employment by assisting with goal development, job search strategies, resume creation, application guidance, and career pathway planning in alignment with GROW program goals.
• Ongoing Case Management : Engage participants through direct and indirect service delivery to support their career advancement, economic stability, and long-term success.

Documentation and Compliance

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Program Development and Evaluation

Professional Development and Administrative Support

Position may require flexible work hours that may include occasional evenings and Saturdays.

Job Requirements

Experience / Education

Minimum bachelor’s degree with focus in human / social services, preferred. Minimum of 2 years related work experience.

Qualifications

Effective and Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to a diverse population

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Excellent communication and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data systems Knowledgeable in navigating Benefits Application, Job Opportunities and Housing Resources

Language

Ability to read and speak English proficiently.

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.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

2. Ability to stand for 3–4-hour periods at a time.

3. Possess the ability to fulfill and any all-office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting, and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)

4. The employee must be able to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.

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.

1. Internal office space.

2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.