Life Skills Educator
Harrisburg, PA
In- Person
Anticipated deadline to submit application: April 25, 2024 5pm Est Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an engaging, adaptable, and inspirational Life Skills Educator (LSE) to lead large group workshops for our program participants that prepare them for success in temporary and permanent employment. The workshops are comprised of our participants and take place in our Harrisburg office four days a week. The Life Skills Educator will also support the Harrisburg Site Director with administrative and operational duties to ensure the smooth and seamless operation of the site.

Who We Are

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

Who You Are

You’re deeply dedicated to social justice and perhaps are already working in the re-entry field
You come to CEO experience in teaching or leading group presentations
You consider yourself to be a people person with the ability to lift morale and present content in a way that’s exciting and engaging to participants
You’re inspirational and passionate about helping individuals become the best version of themselves
You’re able to learn and convey program content quickly and accurately using your excellent communication skills and flexibility to change up your style to ensure participant understanding
You’re comfortable with providing the feedback and support necessary to facilitate the development of participant knowledge and skills
You take other perspectives into account when analyzing problems
You’re self-motivated and diligent as you hold yourself accountable to deadlines, even in the face of adversity
You’re highly organized with top notch time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities seamlessly or ask for support with prioritization when needed
You’re very comfortable learning new technologies that an organization adopts/implements

Key responsibilities of the LSE include but are not limited to:

Life Skills Education

Presenting well-prepared, organized, and clear content that follows CEO’s course syllabus to participants enthusiastically and with deep care
Guiding and coaching participants in key preparatory activities tied to employment, including writing professional resumes, networking, and mock interviewing
Helping participants become job-start ready by promoting their development and effective utilization of communication and self-presentation skills
Engaging participants in ongoing discussions about their employment goals
Offering support, encouragement. and constructive feedback to all participants
Keeping abreast of current practices and events that could impact participants; making suggestions about new material to incorporate into the curriculum
Ensuring that participants’ experiences are strong and adhere to best practices
Keeping Parole Officers in the loop regarding individual participant progress
Collaborating with other internal departments and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to gather information and promote special projects

Administrative

Inputting participants contact and progress information into our case management system (Salesforce)
Monitoring and documenting class attendance
Performing other tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned from time to time

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $44,100. In an effort to be both equitable and transparent, CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, internal equity, and home office location in making a final determination on our salary offer.

We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and also provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, as well as professional development opportunities and training, including regular training opportunities in Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is one evidence-based skill that reentry and human service professionals can utilize when supporting participants to achieve their goals.

We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.

More About Us

The Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racist organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we’re passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.

People who are justice involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ , and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO’s commitment to DEI aligns with the CROWN Act, creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.

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At CEO, we deeply value the diverse perspectives and experiences of our applicants. It is important for us to understand your perspective and experiences around enriching the lives of the individuals we support and in shaping a workforce that reflects the individuals we serve. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable hiring experience where every applicant's voice is respected and valued. This commitment strengthens our mission to provide impactful assistance to individuals impacted by the justice system. For the questions below, please share with us anything you believe would further help us understand your interest in working with us and in advancing our mission. Please confirm that you have read this statement. *

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