Work Readiness Instructor

Background

The HOPE Program is a leader among New York City job training providers, upskilling adult
jobseekers (ages 18 – 70) for a broad range of sectors, including a focus on green construction,
maintenance, infrastructure and related careers. We work with individuals facing deep
structural barriers to employment, including histories with the criminal legal system, current
and/or past homelessness, substance abuse disorders, low educational attainment and more.
Our comprehensive approach includes classroom training, industry-recognized certifications,
digital literacy and access, financial literacy and access, mental health support, case
management, paid job training, and our signature “HOPE for Life” approach, which provides a
vital community of support throughout the lives of HOPE graduates’ careers. With measurable
outcomes among the strongest in the industry, HOPE’s impact sits at the intersection of
COVID-19 recovery, racial justice, and building a more equitable future for New York City. Our
work is best described in the words of our graduates, such as Ramon.

The Position

HOPE is seeking a Work Readiness Instructor who will facilitate the Sustainable South Bronx
training program (SSBx) which consists of essential skills, hands-on activities and industry
recognized certifications, training 70 participants across three program cycles annually. The
position reports to the Director of Bronx Programs. This is a hybrid position, working out of
HOPE’s Bronx location at 1360 Garrison Avenue twice weekly. SSBx is a 14 week job training
program that prepares adult jobseekers for careers in green construction and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Student Management
● Work closely with the Director of Bronx Programs to gain familiarity with the history and
goals of the SSBx program. This includes training at least 70 jobseekers across three
class cycles annually so they are prepared for green construction and maintenance
work upon completion.
● Build a detailed classroom calendar and daily schedule for delivery of the SSBx
program and communicate to the HOPE team and current students.
● Organize and connect with internal and external facilitators to arrange class schedules.
● In line with the SSBx curriculum, build out and prepare for individual, daily lessons,
including any materials, resources, and assessments to support student learning.
● Deliver the SSBx curriculum which includes interactive lessons, such as goal setting,
communications, resume drafting, interview skills, conflict resolution, networking, etc.
● Continually integrate new facilitation strategies that reflect unique class dynamics,
increase interactivity and context for adult learners, integrate digital and other skills, and
align with real-time changes in the labor market.
● Offer office hours and 1:1 coaching for students to support their persistence in the
program and readiness for employment. This includes engaging in performance
improvement plans for students.
● Identify students with vocational, educational, housing, clothing, health, or other needs
and facilitate their access to appropriate services at HOPE or elsewhere.
● Support outreach for students to engage in additional, advanced industry certifications
upon completion of the SSBx program.
● Participate effectively as a team member and communicate regularly about student
progress with HOPE colleagues, especially the Employment and Graduate Services
team to ensure students seamlessly transition to job search.
● Serve as a backup instructor for other Work Readiness Instructors where needed.

Cohort Management
● Ensure students meet completion expectations in line with the Student Handbook,
including attendance, participation, behavior, and learning acquisition.
● Support students in meeting relevant expectations of non-soft skills program
components delivered by peers at HOPE and by partner organizations.
● Maintain accurate and current student records (attendance records, reports for referring
partners, case notes, etc.) as per programmatic requirements, government contracts
and research purposes.
● Complete training and engage in mental health modalities like Mental Health First Aid,
Motivational Interviewing, Screening and Referrals, and Psychoeducation in partnership
with HOPE’s Wellness team.
● Prepare for and participate in weekly client meetings and 1:1 meetings with supervisor.
● Maintain accurate and current student records (attendance records, reports for referring
partners, case notes, etc.) as per programmatic requirements, government contracts
and research purposes.
● Participate in conferences, onsite training, site visits, etc. to ensure continued industry
engagement and curriculum relevance as well as professional development.
● Facilitate or assist with special activities (e.g. graduation ceremony, holiday dinner,
retention events, participant recruitment events, intake, practice interviews) as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of three years’ experience in adult education or
group facilitation as well as skill in meeting the needs of various populations with
barriers to employment
● Demonstrated ability to meet program enrollment and completion goals
● Clear verbal and written communication and presentation skills with various
stakeholders
● Solution-oriented, flexible, and adaptable
● Ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task, highly organized and meet deadlines
● Strong digital skills and experience with CRM for reporting preferred
● An advocacy mindset with support and concern for students’ outcomes
● Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing principles a plus
● Experience in Google Suite and Google Classroom a plus

Salary/Benefits

The salary is dependent upon experience. HOPE provides a full package of benefits including
healthcare and dental insurance, retirement plan, competitive vacation (plus half-day Fridays
during summer which is equal to 7.5 additional vacation days), and 12 paid holidays.

Interested Candidates

Email cover letter, indicating what position you are applying for and where you saw the listing,
and resume to hr@thehopeprogram.org. Resumes unaccompanied by a cover letter will not be
reviewed. No telephone calls, please. HOPE employees are required to provide one-time
verification of vaccination against COVID-19.

The HOPE Program is an equal opportunity employer