Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Special For Service Groups
Job Announcement

Job Details:

• Title: Employment Specialist
• Division: HOPICS
• FLSA: Non-Exempt- Full Time 
• Supervisor: Employment Advancement Manager  
• Pay Range or Rate: TBD
• Revised: 3.21.2022

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:

The tasks, duties and responsibilities of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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. 
• S/he will 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. 
• Required to 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 - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• 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) month 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:
COVID-19 Vaccination Required:

• 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 (Working 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.
Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer