Secure Jobs is an individualized, goal-based coaching program designed to help clients that are experiencing housing insecurity to stabilize their housing by gaining and improving their employment situation. Clients engage in both a short- and long-term goal setting to help them move from initial employment to long-term sustainability either by accessing training or education or through growth in their existing employment. Clients begin with intensive Job Readiness training provided individually through in person or online platforms to help clients learn: basic computer skills particularly applicable to accessing coaching services and job searching–setting up a professional email account, designing and writing resumes and cover letters, preparing reference lists, researching employers, completing online applications, learning and practicing techniques for phone screens, online and in person interviews as well as preparing follow-up questions for employers. Life in a homeless shelter gives rise to multiple challenges and Secure Jobs staff provide intensive case management to identify and resolve barriers related to lack of recent workforce engagement and the instability arising from life in a shelter both before and throughout a client’s initial employment.

For many clients enrolled in Secure Jobs, their journey begins with an entry-level, bridge job rather than the goal job that comes with the sustainable wages that clients need. After securing initial employment, clients continue to build and develop professional skills including: work place problem solving, communication with both co-workers and managers, giving and receiving feedback, asking for support from a supervisor, time management, and other soft skills to promote success in the initial employment and prepare participants to leverage their experience and skill development to seek promotion and/or new employment opportunities to reach a goal job offering increased hours at family sustaining wages. Ultimately, coaches strategize with clients to identify the appropriate steps to advance past the initial employment experience into the goal job.

UIF – Program Applications