Employment Specialist

Overview The Employment Specialist I is responsible for supporting clients in all areas of their employment journey, including career exploration, employment preparation, assistance with finding employment, and job retention. This position focuses primarily on supporting clients in their employment goals through programming that provides short-term retention services. This role works with other service providers to coordinate services and ensure ongoing support for individuals to maintain success in their employment, housing, and recovery goals. Company Company: Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people who are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation. Location Location: Employment Access Center-2 NW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Schedule Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Saturdays & Sundays Off) Compensation Compensation: $22.73/hr - $30.15/hr. Final comp will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity. External candidates: Offer max $26.37/hr per our Union contract. AFSCME Union This role is a Union Represented position through American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). You can find more information about your representation at afscme.org. Recall Rights and Seniority Bid Window Recall Rights: This position could be subject to recall rights for employees who were previously laid off from a CCC union-represented position. The previous employee may have recall rights to be considered for rehire before internal or external candidates are considered. Senioritiy Bid Window: Opens 7/8/26, Closes 7/17/26. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or GED and one year of experience in workforce development, social services, job placement, job coaching, employment and training, or related field. Must embrace the mission and philosophy of recovery and client-centered treatment. Must be able to work weekends and/or evenings, as necessary. Must have necessary computer skills to accomplish duties. Knowledge of area employers, housing resources, training providers, human service agencies and community groups. Must be able to perform intra-city travel. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check. This includes clearance by the DHS Background Check if working in FAN, Blackburn or OTRC Programs. Work on this specific contract prohibits convictions of child or elderly abuse, offenses against persons, sexual offenses, or child neglect. Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace and policies in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Must generally have the ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects, and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation. May be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern. Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies. Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse backgrounds and treat everyone with respect and dignity. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bilingual in English and Spanish Peer Support Specialist Certification Experience working with homeless and/or recovering chemically dependent individuals Bachelor's degree Valid driver\'s license preferred. If required to drive, must pass a DMV background check and be designated an acceptable driver. If required to drive, must pass initial driver\'s training within 60 days and continued recertification training RESPONSIBILITIES Provide employment services aligned with CCC and contractually required program standards, including development of a comprehensive case plan, monitoring progress toward employment and training goals, and provision of services that support the plan. Maintain high-quality documentation within CCC's Apricot Case Management system and other funder-required systems, ensuring data is collected, services tracked, and documents stored properly. Monitor services obtained, financial supports, and employment status for clients, including short-term retention services. Work with clients to complete Career Maps and provide client assessments to determine skills and abilities. Assist clients with SNAP eligibility and obtaining forms of identification for employment. Check eligibility for programs and services, collaborating with resource agencies to remove barriers to employment (housing, mental health, substance use, emergency services). Assist with applying and interviewing for jobs, including building cover letters and resumes and practicing interviews. Match job-seeking clients with employers using professional placement skills. Coordinate with internal service providers to ensure integrated services with CCC Supportive Housing and Social Enterprises teams. Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to clients. Meet contractual goals and other key performance metrics. Attend required meetings and trainings offered by program funders and partners to align with regional workforce strategy. Attend required internal CCC meetings and trainings. May assist clients with housing through referrals and housing retention support. Synthesize information from diverse sources and act appropriately for each client and program. Participate in compliance, quality assurance, and quality improvement activities as directed. Adhere to all CCC policies, procedures, and guidelines and to privacy regulations (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2) and to confidentiality agreements; report any breaches to the Compliance Department and supervisor. Perform related duties as assigned within the scope of the role. ABILITIES Ability to develop and carry out individualized employment, training, and retention plans. Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork. Strong time management, follow-through, and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment. Ability to interact clearly with a wide variety of people including clients, employers, partnering agencies, and co-workers. Ability to be creative, innovative, and a progressive problem solver. Knowledge of issues related to individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Ability to provide de-escalation tactics in a trauma-informed way. Ability to demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to learn new skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of professional boundaries. Experience facilitating training, groups, and workshops. Demonstrated expertise in assisting individuals to develop employment, training, and supportive services plans and providing ongoing support as they work to achieve goals. Benefits Benefits at Central City Concern: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings matching plans, and more. Generous paid time off starting at 4 weeks of PTO per year; accrual increases with longevity. Up to 11 recognized holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work schedule). Retirement savings plan with employer match (4.25% in year 1, 6% in year 2, 8% in year 3). Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage. Employer-paid Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance. Sabbatical program at years 7, 14, and 21. This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. This description is not a contract. As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, Central City Concern maintains a drug-free workplace with post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. We follow federal guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even where legal at the state level. Central City Concern is a second-chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding criminal background checks; background checks may be conducted as required by regulations, contracts, or job duties. #J-18808-Ljbffr