Employment Specialist

Summary Under the direction of the Employment Advancement Manager, the Employment Specialist will provide case coordination and employment services for the participants enrolled in our family programs. Essential Functions Collect, interview, and assess client information regarding education, previous employment experience, skills, interest, qualifications, and personal information. Administer Employment Readiness Assessment to gather further information about the client’s readiness for employment and refer clients to appropriate employment opportunities. Assist clients with identifying possible career options and providing job placement assistance. Linking clients with the local Work Source Center. Assist clients with developing and assembling information for and the completion of job applications and resumes. Draws from existing contacts and continuously cultivates and maintains a network of prospective employers to initiate and promote the placement of HOPICS clients. Conducts cold calls to potential employers. Travel to various worksites to outreach to/recruit prospective employers; and/or drive clients to interviews, job fairs, or other agencies (i.e., local social security office, DMV) to obtain necessary documents for employment. Establish rapport with clients and employers to aid in successful achievement of client and contractual goals. Meet with employees/employers to discuss performance and offer suggestions for improvement when necessary. Responsible for oversight of Transitional Service Employee program and staff. Works in collaboration with the Southeast Los Angeles Work Source Portal. Develop and maintain current industry specific data on employers, labor market trends, placements, program outcomes, sources of service, and current job openings/leads. Assist with the coordination and implementation referrals and linkage system with internal programs and other agencies. Provide Quality Assurance to ensure orderly and updated files (paper and electronic- scanning). Communicate and coordinate with community agencies for needed client services. Supervise client’s progress and provide follow up services up to 6 months after they exit program. Outreach and develop working relationships with other agencies whose services will be beneficial to clients. Track Agency’s compliance with performance targets. Assist in trainings and provide support to necessary staff, providers, and other project partners participating in project. Enter case notes into CHAMP and HMIS within 48 hours of client encounter. Submit weekly report on referrals and placements every Friday. Monitor and reinforce client progress and noncompliance; report issues as they arise and document as needed (behavioral contract; termination forms; progress notes). In collaboration with the Southeast Work source portal, plan, coordinate and co-host at least three (3) job fairs per fiscal year. Represent HOPICS in the community (HOPICS sponsored outreach events/meetings; community provider sponsored outreach events/meetings). Contribute to the obtainment of all contractual performance targets and the obtainment of division wide goals and performance outcomes. Attend required trainings. Maintain appropriate boundaries and adhere to SSG’s Code of Ethics and HOPICS’ Core Values. Represent the Agency in a professional manner at meetings and community events. Maintain files/records on client services in compliance with HIPAA & CFR42 and other funding requirements for auditing purposes. Regular attendance required. Other duties as needed. Secondary Functions Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager for Housing Services. Minimum Qualifications Associates Degree in Social Services or other administrative, business or housing field is required from an accredited or state approved college or university, with a minimum two (2) years job related experience working with homeless individuals and families. OR five years’ experience working in social service field; case management and homeless program experience preferred. If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol free is required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs. Knowledge of resource development, case management and documentation. Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Bilingual, read, write and speak Spanish. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally. Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Clearance. TB test required (Not more than 3 months prior to or 7 days after Date of Hire), and renewed annually thereafter. CPR and First Aid Certification required within 30 days of employment with company and valid Driver’s License and auto insurance required. Reliable transportation is required. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally. Experience working with homeless families and children. DCFS as well as an experience with placing homeless families into permanent housing. Mandatory Covid19 Vaccination Requirement All staff are required to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated and to submit vaccination record to the HR Department during new hire orientation. Fully COVID-19 vaccinated (2 weeks from last vaccination dose to be considered fully vaccinated). Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles. Non-Essential Qualifications None Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities. Environmental Conditions This position is responsible to work in “client friendly” environments and is required to visit other shelters and homeless access centers as part of their duties. Local automobile travel is required. There is some responsibility to work in noisy environments where children and adults are present. Physical Requirements The Case Manager typically spends time sitting, standing, typing, thinking, writing, walking, driving, carrying (max. 25 lbs.), listening, speaking. Mental Requirements This position will require the individual to be able to handle any/all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; be able to process information, think and conceptualize. Equal Opportunity : Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr