Client Solutions Specialist

Organizational Description: North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.Our Mission: To improve the earning potential of the North Lawndale community through innovative employment initiatives that lead to economic advancement and an improved quality of life.Opportunity: We are seeking a Youth Client Solutions Specialist to function as the central focus of case management services to NLEN clients. This position provides one-on-one career coaching, mentorship, and financial guidance to help young adults build confidence, develop essential workforce skills, and secure employment. This position will work closely with participants to identify goals, remove challenges, and track progress using leading client management systems. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves collaboration, problem solving and making a direct difference in the lives of young people.Career Coaching & Case Management• Screen youth applicants (ages 18–24) to determine program fit and potential for successful job placement.• Maintain detailed case notes and documentation in electronic systems and participant files.• Conduct one-on-one career coaching sessions to build trust, skills, and employment readiness.• Develop and update Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) based on realistic short- and long-term goals.• Guide participants through job readiness training, workplace expectations, and professional behavior.• Support resume development and portfolio building in partnership with the Digital Equity Specialist.• Provide financial literacy tools, resources, and ongoing accountability in partnership with the Financial Equity Specialist.Conduct follow-up on missed appointments and keep participants engaged.• Identify self-imposed challenges and work with youth to overcome them.Mentoring & Support Services• Help participants address technical barriers (childcare, transportation, work attire).• Coach youth through mindset-related barriers such as location preferences or scheduling limitations.• Generate job leads, share opportunities, and publish internal job orders.• Ensure readiness for interviews—including attire, professionalism, and communication skills.Administrative & Program Support• Perform accurate data entry using Salesforce, ECM, Career Connect, Illinois workNet, and other databases.• Conduct research and prepare summaries when requested.• Support outreach efforts, job fairs, workshops, and program events.• Maintain a baseline understanding of program requirements and training terminology.• Track correspondence, contracts, and provider placement documentation.• Provide monthly highlights or participant success stories for social media.Qualifications• 3+ years of experience in career coaching, case management, workforce development, or related human services.• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, counseling, or a related field.• Prior WIOA Youth program experience highly preferred.• Experience using CRM and case management tools such as Salesforce, ECM, Career Connect, and Illinois workNet strongly preferred.• Strong understanding of vocational training resources and workforce trends.• Ability to build partnerships with public and private agencies and maintain strong community relationships.• Excellent communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.• Passion for empowering young adults and creating equitable pathways to employment.Organization Overview:NLEN recently celebrated 25 years of transformative service to community members who are unemployed, formerly incarcerated, asset-limited, and/or income-constrained. The organization assists these individuals in securing employment and developing the skills to successfully navigate the job market, maintain fulfilling long-term employment, achieve educational ambitions, and build household wealth. NLEN empowers low-income job seekers with access to financial tools, digital literacy, and other supports, and partners with employers in recruiting and retaining employees. In 2024, NLEN served 1,642 clients, offered 921 financial services and workshops, and hired 40 transitional workers. Three out of five clients increased their monthly income, net worth, and FICO score. NLEN has an FY25 operating budget of $7.5 million and 46 permanent employees, more than 20 percent of whom are NLEN program graduates.Of fundamental strategic importance to NLEN’s mission are its groundbreaking Social Enterprises, Sweet Beginnings, LLC, and the beelove® café. Sweet Beginnings is a wholly owned subsidiary of NLEN offering full-time transitional jobs to citizens returning from incarceration who face barriers to employment. Sweet Beginnings manages apiaries (bee farms) throughout Chicagoland, produces honey for consumption, and manufactures and sells all-natural honey-based skincare products. Sweet Beginnings honey is an essential ingredient at the beelove® café, opened at NLEN’s headquarters in 2021. The café has become a cherished community hub, providing a friendly gathering space and critical work opportunities to transitional employees.