Coalition for the Homeless offers rewarding career opportunities for counselors, teachers, social workers, case managers, and organizers. Coalition programs offer a variety of entry-level and professional positions for those who wish to join our dedicated and talented corps of human services workers.
SUMMER CAMP POSITIONS, CAMP HOMEWARD BOUND
VOLUNTEER JOB SEARCH COUNSELOR, FIRST STEP PROGRAM
Coalition for the Homeless seeks seasonal counselors and supervisors for its Camp Homeward Bound program located in Harriman State Park . Started in 1984, the Homeward Bound program was the first camp in the nation created specifically to serve homeless children.Camp Homeward Bound provides a safe, predictable, and highly structured environment for homeless youngsters (ages seven to fifteen). We foster the development of positive social and learning skills and is scheduled for three sessions each summer.
At Camp Homeward Bound camp staff receive pre-camp training, ongoing support, and mentoring throughout the summer. Counselors and supervisors develop problem solving and leadership skills that future employers may find valuable. Camp staff aim to positively influence a group of young people in need of strong positive role models. They look forward to meeting new people around the world, forming lasting friendships, and working with a team of dedicated individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives of young people.
For more information about Camp Homeward Bound, click here.
First Step, a program of the Coalition for the Homeless, is a job training program for women. First Step's innovative 14-week curriculum includes over 75 hours of computer instruction, literacy workshops, communication and interpersonal skills development, and other hands-on activities that give students a thorough and practical understanding of the job market and workplace. First Step also places students in internships with major corporations or non-profit organizations, and offers mentoring by experienced professional women. We also provide a lifetime of post-graduate services, including job placement assistance, ongoing mentoring from staff and volunteers, support groups, additional training seminars, and numerous networking opportunities with alumni and business professionals.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Volunteer Job Search Counselor will work with graduates of the First Step program who have already completed the 14 week curriculum and are working on obtaining employment. Responsibilities will include: providing one-on-one assistance to graduates on all aspects of their job search, including the drafting and editing of their resumes, cover letters, thank you notes, job applications, and other job search related documents; guiding graduates, many of whom are beginner users of the computer, on the use of Microsoft Word, Internet, and E-mail to conduct a job search; researching job opportunities and sharing information with graduates based on their interest and qualifications; and record keeping such as graduate attendance and job search activities. After training, the job search counselor would have the opportunity if interested to teach workshops on topics related to job search.
QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be patient, a good listener, and a self-starter. Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Internet navigation, and e-mail required. Basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook preferred. Candidate must have a significant interest in helping low income women to build their self-confidence and skills and achieve their career goals; prior experience serving homeless and low-income women with mental health, substance abuse and past criminal issues preferred.
OTHER DETAILS/REQUIREMENTS: The dates and times that Job Search Counselors are needed are from 9am - 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Job Search Counselor is required to volunteer at least 3 hours one day a week during that time frame for a minimum of 5 weeks.
This is an unpaid / volunteer position. If you would like to intern in this position as part of an academic internship program, we would be glad to work with you and your school.
REPORTS TO: Assistant Director/ Manager of Job Development, First Step Program.
TO APPLY: Submit resume and cover letter addressing why you are interested in this opportunity. Also please specify in your cover letter the hours that you are available to volunteer.
E-mail Takiyah Weekes: TWeekes@cfthomeless.org
Include the job title in subject line of e-mail. No telephone inquiries please. Persons of color and formerly homeless individuals are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer.