Employment Specialist Jobs

POSITION TITLE: Employment Specialist

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director of Social Services

ORGANIZATION

VIP Community Services is dedicated to changing lives and transforming our community. We offer a continuum of services to individuals with histories of chemical dependency. Our client-centered approach empowers people to take charge of their lives and discover their personal paths to self-sufficiency.

Please visit www.vipservices.org to learn more.

POSITION SUMMARY: This position assists shelter residents seek employment and/or vocational training as applicable to facilitate self-sufficiency. Under the direction of the Director, this position will establish and track the employment status of all clients. The Employment Specialist will facilitate all aspects of the vocational transition from shelter to independent living for all clients participating in vocational activities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Prepare monthly statistical reports and other data as required or indicated.
• Monitor job retention rate
• Maintain appropriate documentation including summaries and notes are completed according to procedure.
• All other duties as assigned by the Director of Shelters or other authorized parties
• Network with ACCESS, ACE, WILD CATS, Fortune Society, Summer Youth 21-24, NYCETC, and other employment programs
• Work with employers to understand their needs
• Assists residents by providing referrals to employment and training programs.
• Participate in educational sessions, retreats, agency meetings and other professional trainings as assigned.
• Match job openings to job candidates
• Provide weekly reports documenting housing and vocational status of all clients within the facility.
• Maintain and regularly update a data bank of resources for vocational referrals.
• Work with candidates to understand their skill set
• Conduct mock interviews
• Administer skill tests to candidates
• Mandatory Callahan participation required
• Participate in case conferences and case reviews in collaboration with the case management team
• Recommend training to job candidates
• Complete vocational assessments on all new admissions in the program within 72 hours of admission and prepare a discharge plan.
• Maintain professional working relationships with all staff, clients and visitors.
• Revise resumes to help the candidate find a job
• Participate in the follow-up and after care process treatment with the clinical team.

A. Participate in Job Training and Educational Programs, Meetings and Committees.

• Maintain a high level of industry knowledge and keep the Director aware of changes required/recommended in agency operations.
• Attend seminars to further professional development.
• Attend mandatory in-service annually
• Participate in various committees and meetings as requested, including DHS Housing Placement and related meetings.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess knowledge and ability to implement case management principles.
• Experience and knowledge of Windows computer systems and programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess knowledge of community resources.
• Two years experience preferably in a residential treatment program.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to speak read and write a foreign language a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

JOB SETTING:

• Must possess sight, hearing and digital senses or use prosthesis that will enable the essential functions of the job to be completed.

NOTE: This description reflects management’s assignment of the essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Tasks are subject to change at any time due to any reasonable but necessary conditions.