Nexus-Onarga has an exciting opportunity available for a Vocational Specialist at the Cornerstone Cafe!

A member of the Nexus family treatment programs, Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 90 miles south of Chicago and only a few miles off of I-57 on a historic site in Onarga, IL. Nexus Onarga provides boys ages 10 to 20 years old a structured, homelike environment where they can safely address their unhealthy sexual behaviors and their emotional and behavioral issues.

At Nexus, we believe in changing the course of a child’s life by stabilizing families and strengthening mental health through trauma-informed care. We are a large nonprofit within the human services, mental health, and behavioral health sectors. Nexus is a growing, innovative organization focused on transforming our level of impact through a heightened focus on family expertise, healing complex trauma, and supporting high-stress youth and families.      

The Vocational Specialist will provide career development, vocational education and job skills training that will prepare youth for successful employment in the workforce and for independent living upon completion of their treatment at the academy while managing the day-to-day business operations of the Cornerstone Café.

Required Education and Licensure:

Must be a minimum of 21 years old. Must have a HS Diploma or GED. Minimum 1 year experience working in the food industry. Valid Food Handling/Sanitation License. Bachelors Degree in Business, Food Service Management or Culinary Arts. In lieu of Bachelors Degree, 3 years experience working in the food industry. Must possess experience and solid skills in basic bookkeeping, financial budget managment, dealing with health codes, point of sale systems, and food/restaurant suppliers. Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirement.

Nice to Have:

Prior experience working in a Vocational Training environment.

Work Schedule & Salary:

Schedule:  Tuesday-Saturday 6a-2:30p Salary:  Starts at $39,500-$49,500 annually based on credentials and years of related work experience 

Primary responsibilities:

Provide vocational education and career development training for youth, individually and in a group environment. Maintain working knowledge of workforce readiness skills and educates, coaches and develops students in areas
of applying for and retaining a job in the workforce Conduct job-seeking and job retention skills training as required. Evaluate and monitor youth performance in groups and activities. Develop and maintain positive community and regional relationships with agencies and businesses that provide employment opportunities/educational and vocational training. Plan and participate in off campus youth activities and assist in the transportation of clients for related special functions. Provide mentorship, supervision, and instruction for youth in the workplace at the Academy’s Café and other current or future business ventures. Create and ensure that youth adhere to work schedules, policies, procedures and job responsibilities at the cafe; including waiting on customers, preparing and serving food/beverage, selling items, participating in instructional groups and other activities as assigned.  Ensure that the business and employees adhere to all health codes and required standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Provide instruction in basic business skills and operations as well as customer service. Document daily activities, behavior and incident reports as required. Instruct youth on basic job skills needed to live successfully and independently upon completion of treatment. Serve as a mentor and role model by demonstrating excellent customer service, work ethic, and compassion for others. Prepare and submit reports and communications. Provide initial and preliminary vocational screening and complete youth performance evaluations. Prepare quarterly reports on service components. Complete daily reports/evaluations on student performance and skills learned. Prepare client payroll information. Assist and participate in the therapeutic functions and activities at Nexus Onarga. Participate in therapeutic activities and case conferences as needed; work to collaborate with team members and remain adaptable to the businesses changing needs. Exhibit clear, professional, respectful and effective communication when interacting with youth, staff and families; willingly share knowledge, information and resources to support success of the vocational program. Participate in or supervise special functions. Manage the fiscal aspects of a "youth/educationally centered" business entity Build the customer base through fostering opportunities and/or events that promote the café as a resource where the community can connect and thrive. Demonstrate the ability to plan and prioritize according to multiple work tasks and assignments. Assess monthly net income to ensure the vendor and/or supplier costs are in line with the cafe sales. Ensure proper accounting procedures are developed and followed. Manage the cash for the cafe; close out the financials at the end of each day. Attend financial meetings, as required. Administer and monitor health and safety procedures. Perform First Aid/CPR procedures and respond appropriately to crisis/emergency situations using sound judgement and remaining calm. Monitor youth to ensure a therapeutically safe environment by awareness of and upholding boundaries. Ensure youth are adequately trained in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and appropriate safety procedures/protocols prior to using equipment as necessary. Operate, ensure the maintenance of, and understand the proper use of Cafe equipment, which includes the cash register, coffee makers, ice machine, etc. Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required by Nexus.  Maintain working and applicable knowledge of all Nexus policies and procedures. Understand and support the Nexus philosophy and treatment modalities. Ensure confidentiality regarding resident’s medical background and treatment issues.

Work Environment:

May be required to assist staff in proper restraining of clients. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours). Must be able to walk, sit, stand, twist, bend, and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within the residential program. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as desktop and/or laptop computers, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Nexus’ Comprehensive Benefits Include: 

Five weeks paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment Multiple options for health insurance coverage No-cost life insurance Short/long-term disability insurance 401k match NEW – Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family NEW – Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family NEW – Carrot Fertility Benefit Tuition assistance and training opportunities Advancement pathways and internal promotion And much more!

At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions are focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.

Our ICARE Values:

Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards

APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives — including your own!