Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Are you passionate about helping others achieve their employment goals and build long-term stability? As the Employment Specialist, you'll provide one-on-one employment coaching and job readiness training to participants enrolled in a variety of employment programs. The Employment Specialist supports individuals as they prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment that aligns with their goals. This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, motivated, and committed to achieving positive outcomes for the people they serve.

This will be a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week out of our Burlington location. Preference given to those who are bilingual in English/Spanish. Dual languages are strongly preferred but not required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities Include:

1. Manage a caseload comprised of participants with a multitude of complexities and barriers to employment, specifically WorkFirst and Foundation Community Supports (FCS) participants.
2. Conduct intake interviews; develop individual employment plans based on participant interests and employment goals.
3. Determine worksite placement and coordinate worksite interviews, orientation, and paperwork for WorkFirst program participants, when applicable.
4. Coach participants regarding job search tools and techniques and refer or provide workplace readiness/soft skills training.
5. Provide ongoing case management and individualized supports for areas of concern that impact participant's ability to find/keep employment.
6. Maintain accurate and confidential participant records. Provide reporting and billing information as necessary. Document all case activity and keep monthly updates.
7. Accurately enter and maintain up-to-date client data and employment outcomes in internal databases to support program reporting, funding compliance and service delivery.
8. Assist with developing and facilitate weekly workshops to maximize participant's pathway to employment. (i.e. Life Skills and Work Pathways)
9. Develop current knowledge of community resources, program regulations, contract requirements and outcomes.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish effective working relationships both internally and externally, interacting with other agency staff members, clients, outside providers and employers.
11. Ensure compliance with WorkFirst and FCS Program Guidelines.
12. 30%-65% of time will be spent out in the field for case management and employer outreach. (i.e. client visits, visiting worksites, going with clients to appointments, etc.)
13. Participate in agency staff meetings, WorkFirst and FCS trainings, DSHS case staffing, and other events/training as required.
14. Other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications Include:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor degree in Human Services or Social Services preferred. Associate Degree is minimum required.
• 1-2 years' experience in employment placement programs, case management, and assessment.
• Or a combination of education and experience meeting required job qualifications.

License(s) & Certification(s)

• Valid driver's license and auto liability insurance required if personal vehicle used for work-related travel.
• Financial Coaching training within first year of employment.

Skills & Abilities

• Spanish/English bilingual strongly desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook; Knowledge of ejas (state database), EmpowOR (agency database) preferred.
• Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine, 10-key) is needed.
• Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written), with wide range of audiences.
• Requires strong organization, time management, and attention to detail, and solid follow-through in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member.
• Solid judgment and current knowledge of local resources.
• Solid observation, analytical and intuitive abilities.
• Ability to respond appropriately in stressful or emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting pay wage range between $24.67-$27.24 per hour (DOE)

Benefits Include:

• Medical & Dental Insurance including Rx and Vision
• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (3.5% Employer Match)
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 12 Holidays per calendar year
• Health club discount

(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)

To Apply: Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following: (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest. You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website.

Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.