City Union Mission

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Vocational Education Specialist (Education)



Job Summary:

The Vocational Education Specialist works within the Vocational Development team to deliver adult education services to men participating in the Christian Life Program and Men's Ministry. This role fosters lifelong learning and career advancement among participants by addressing academic and skill deficiencies in literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy. The Vocational Education Specialist utilizes standardized assessments like CASAS and TABE to help participants set goals and track progress. This role provides comprehensive educational and career coaching through evidence-based assessments, targeted feedback, small group instruction, one-on-one meetings, academic tutoring, and individualized goal-setting.

Key responsibilities include equipping program participants to pursue lifelong learning and career growth, maintaining a conducive learning environment, managing technology resources, coordinating volunteer tutors, and reporting program outcomes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Function as a positive contributing staff member of City Union Mission to ensure unity with the purpose and goals of the organization

  • Coach participants in creating and pursuing Individual Learning Plans and Individual Vocational Plans

  • Provide guidance through one-on-one career coaching sessions to address barriers to employment

  • Create and maintain environments conducive to lifelong learning, including the CLP Learning Center and Library

  • Deliver high school completion/equivalency services, including assessments, online learning, instruction, tutoring, and goal-setting

  • Administer evidence-based academic and career assessments to inform and track educational and career goals

  • Coordinate CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) testing by keeping accurate records, supervising proctored certification, monitoring testing stations and web test units, and maintaining testing policy

  • Teach weekly classes as needed

  • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer tutors and mentors

  • Cross-train Vocational Development team members to cover classes and Learning Center duties when absent

  • Evaluate and advise academic and vocational class curricula to integrate current best practices in workforce development and career readiness, aligning with national and local standards

  • Develop and lead quarterly training sessions for all teachers in the CLP on best andragogical teaching practices

  • Maintain technology resources, including Learning Center desktops and laptops, to support full program participation and recovery

  • Maintain records of the technology use of participants who are registered sex offenders

  • Record and report data pertaining to program outcomes, academic records, and high school diploma or equivalency achievement

  • Maintain a professional understanding of emerging trends and best practices within the adult education and workforce development fields by attending professional conferences and online continuing education training

  • Perform other duties as required

City Union Mission Requirements:

  • Be a born again, mature Christian able to clearly communicate the Gospel as opportunities arise during the workday. (1 Peter 2:21, 3:15)

  • Have a desire to serve the Lord through widely varied responsibilities to advance ministry to those currently homeless, and the urban poor of Kansas City, with a compassionate heart.

  • Agree to City Union Mission's Statement of Ministry:

    • Be a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed by personal testimony and conduct.

    • Be a member in good standing of a recognized protestant, evangelical church for one year or more.

    • Have a genuine concern for the ministry of City Union Mission.

    • Have a minimum of one year of sobriety from alcohol and drugs and six months from tobacco.

    • Agree to abstain from alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and tobacco while employed by City Union Mission.

    • Have a lifestyle that is free of sexual sin as clearly defined in the Bible.



Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to effectively engage individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, and substance use disorder in coaching, strengths-based perspective, trauma informed care, and motivational interviewing

  • De-escalation and crisis prevention techniques

  • Teaching, tutoring, and mentoring capacities

  • Biblical literacy   

  • Windows computing environment, Google environment (Drive and Applications)

Education and Experience:

  • Required: Bachelor's degree in education, social services, or other related field; 2 years of related experience

  • Preferred: Master's degree in education with emphasis in adult education or working with low-income and homeless populations

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting/standing/kneeling, etc.

  • Ability to ascend/descend stairs multiple times throughout shift.

  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds at times.

  • Must be able to operate motor vehicle, such as 15-passenger van.

Travel Requirements:

  • Ability to drive to our campuses in Kansas City and in Warsaw.

  • Ability to drive in the local community.

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