The Vocational Advancement Coordinator serves as part of UGM’s Christ-centered ministry by helping LIFE Recovery Program residents grow in dignity, responsibility, and hope as they prepare for meaningful work and long-term stability. This role combines vocational coaching, case management, volunteer leadership, employer partnerships, and work therapy oversight with a commitment to model the compassion, truth, and servant-leadership of Jesus Christ. Candidates should be prepared to integrate their Christian faith into daily ministry, encourage residents in their recovery and personal growth, participate in prayer, devotions, Bible study, and Gospel-centered conversations, and support UGM’s mission, Statement of Faith, and Core Values in both word and action. If this sounds exciting to you - we would LOVE to connect and explore the possibilities!
UGM considers every position one of ministry and a vital and valued part of our team. Therefore, it is essential that all employees of UGM have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and subscribe to our Statement of Faith and Core Values. Additionally, employees must be willing to lead and/or participate in Bible study, prayer, devotions and sharing the Gospel.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Vocational Advancement Coordinator is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and day-to-day oversight of workforce readiness, case management, career development, and employment placement services for residents participating in the LIFE Recovery Program. This role empowers residents to overcome barriers to employment, develop essential life and workplace skills, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.
Key Result Area # 1 Development, Oversight, & Leadership of Vocational Advancement Department
- Oversee and manage vocation services and case management to support successful reentry and long-term self-sufficiency.
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Develop and facilitate vocational readiness programming, including job readiness, career exploration, education, life skills, workplace professionalism, and employment preparation.
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Oversee workplace development classes, workshops, group sessions, and individual coaching appointments.
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Develop and maintain Individualized Vocational Plans (IVPs), track resident progress, and ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
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Build and maintain partnerships with employers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations to expand vocational and employment opportunities.
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Coordinate and participate in workforce development events, including seminars, resource fairs, career fairs, employer presentations, and networking opportunities.
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Facilitate biannual Employer Partner Advisory Meetings to strengthen partnerships and identify employment opportunities.
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Participate in strategic planning, program evaluation, supervision, and other outcome-based management processes.
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Utilize the PADMAN Process, assessments, and vocational evaluation tools to identify resident strengths, interests, aptitudes, and employment barriers.
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Collaborate with Vocational Advancement teams to promote program consistency, share resources, align curriculum, evaluate outcomes, and support vocational advancement initiatives.
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Collaborate with Aftercare staff to support resident transition planning, referrals, and continued recovery.
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Model and uphold UGM’s Core Values and professional standards
Key Result Area # 2 Case Management
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Conduct and document individual meetings with residents to review progress and support vocational, educational, and life-skills goals.
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Coordinate case management programming, including curriculum development, scheduling, and volunteer instructor support.
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Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant resident documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and individualized plans.
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Assist residents with applications, forms, and referrals to access resources and benefits.
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Provide budgeting and financial literacy coaching to support responsible money management and individualized financial goals.
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Provides accountability for client savings and case management benchmarks
Key Result Area # 3 Work Therapy Oversight
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Collaborate with internal departments to identify, assign, and oversee resident work therapy roles and responsibilities.
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Facilitate and support the work therapy accountability process, ensuring consistent participation, performance standards, and follow-through.
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Develop, implement, and maintain internal internship opportunities that promote resident skill development and vocational growth.
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Evaluate resident progress in work therapy programs and maintain accurate documentation of competency development, achievements, and areas for improvement.
Key Result Area # 4 Volunteers
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Supervise, train, and equip, empower volunteers to provide case management and vocational advancement services to all assigned clients the mission and daily operations of the Vocational Advancement department, ensuring adequate volunteer coverage for program needs.
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Provide ongoing volunteer leadership and support through regular communication, monthly check-ins, coaching, encouragement, and at least two team meetings per semester to promote engagement, problem-solving, and program alignment.
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Develop and maintain volunteer roles, job descriptions, and training resources, ensuring all volunteers understand their responsibilities and how they contribute to program goals.
Key Result Area #5: Teamwork & Communication
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Demonstrate healthy, affirming communication with both staff, volunteers and residents on a consistent basis.
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Actively utilize UGM’s Conflict Resolution tools and skills to resolve conflicts effectively.
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Engage in holding self and others accountable.
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Collaborate closely with recovery counselors, clinicians, and support staff to ensure wraparound support for residents.
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Participate actively in daily staff touchpoints, weekly team meetings, and community meetings.
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Communicate progress and concerns clearly and constructively with program staff to promote resident success.
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Participate fully in the self-evaluation process.
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Complete all assigned duties in a satisfactory and timely manner.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
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Committed Christian, able and willing to model servant-leadership and interested in being part of a ministry for the poor, homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill. Grounded in the Christian faith as a mature, active member of the body of Christ. In accordance with Union Gospel Mission Statement of Purpose, Statement of Vision and Statement of Faith.
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Strong Interpersonal skills - exercise compassion and discernment while modeling the teachings of Jesus Christ.
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As a unified team member, willing to honor the leadership, chain of command, and standards and ministry objectives of Union Gospel Mission.
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Follows UGM policy regarding addressing and resolving conflict amongst team members, volunteers, & residents.
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Know and able to communicate and embrace UGM’s cultural Core Values and their indicators. Core Values are applied and observed.
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Computer literate (Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, UKG HR, Waypoint); able to complete documents, reports and accurately record information. Willingness to continue education as needed or required.
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Excellent communication skills including written, verbal and instructional.
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Must have a teachable spirit and the ability to manage multiple emotional and task related variables, listen, and make sound decisions in alignment with UGM’s purpose.
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Minimum five years of sobriety, if in recovery.
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Insightful, trustworthy, honest, reliable, model appropriate boundaries, maintain confidentiality and demonstrate strong work ethic.
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Valid Washington or Idaho driver’s license– required.
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CPR/First Aid certification – required.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:
Occasionally = 1%-33%; Frequently = 34%-66%; Continuously = 67%-100%
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Work is primarily indoors and may require climbing three flights of stairs, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and going from building to building - Continuously.
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Requires working with a diverse population, many of whom struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness – continuously.
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Requires a sustained level of high energy, stamina, and the ability to move about the facilities on a regular and ongoing basis – frequently.
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Requires the ability to hear, see, and speak clearly - continuously.
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED:
Computer (Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, Web-Browser, UGM specific programs), Copier/printer, Phone, Fax
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
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Bachelor’s or higher degree in education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work or related field, highly preferred
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Minimum 2 years of experience in vocational services, workforce development, or case management (preferably in a recovery or social services setting), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Familiarity with trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
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Experience working with individuals facing barriers such as addiction recovery, justice involvement, homelessness, or mental health challenges.
Requirements:
Union Gospel Mission is a privately funded 501 (c)3 non-profit, evangelical Christian ministry. Our designated purpose is religious, and we are a Christ-centered ministry which is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping the homeless and impoverished. We consider every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry and Statement of Purpose. As such, each employee must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. All employees must:
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Be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in all ministry activities of Union Gospel Mission.
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Subscribe to Union Gospel Mission Statement of Faith and Statement of Purpose upon hire and continuously while employed.
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Adhere to Union Gospel Mission Employee Handbook.
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Benefits
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Two hundred and eight hours paid time off per year to include 6 major holidays. (160 hours of PTO for Full-Time)
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Employees (and their families) have availability of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long Term Disability.
- FSA available first of the year following 1-year anniversary.
- 403(b) plan, with company matching after 1 year.
