Job Search Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

What is the position? Job Search Specialist

Full-time or part-time?  Full-Time (40 hours/week), generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

What’s the pay? $25.30-$30.05/hr., depending on experience

Where will I be working?This position offers a hybrid work benefit with on-site work at one of the Department of Human Services (DHS) branches

Do you offer benefits?  We have a generous benefits package – see below for details

What’s the position all about?

Are you passionate about helping people build pathways to meaningful employment and greater self-sufficiency? Our Just Future is seeking a Job Search Specialist to join the Community Works Project (CWP), a collaborative program of IRCO and Our Just Future that provides job preparation and placement services to participants in the Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program.

In this role, you will work directly with participants to help them identify employment goals, strengthen their job search skills, connect with employment opportunities, and overcome barriers to employment. You will provide individualized support and workforce case management while building relationships with participants, community partners, and other service providers.

This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys building relationships, connecting people to opportunities, problem-solving, and helping participants recognize and build on their strengths.

What will I be expected to do?

• Provide individualized job search support, including resume development, interview preparation, employment applications, job fairs, and job search preparation activities.
• Provide workforce case management, including participant assessments, Employment Plan development, work readiness, skill building, job search, and employment placement.
• Connect participants with employment and volunteer opportunities and help them identify opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and goals.
• Work with participants to identify and address barriers to employment and connect them with resources that support their success.
• Collaborate with Resource Navigation Specialists and other CWP staff to effectively leverage community resources and employment opportunities.
• Maintain regular communication with CWP staff and DHS case managers regarding participant activities, progress, and challenges.
• Track participant attendance, activities, and progress accurately using multiple database systems

What can I bring to the table?

We recognize that people gain skills through many different paths. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

• Bachelor's Degree in social service/social sciences field with at least six (6) months case management and/or housing assistance experience; or any combination of education and work experience in social services and/or poverty/homelessness issues or related topics totaling one year.
• At least one year experience developing and/or implementing individualized service plans.
• Experience providing housing navigation, case management, or direct services to individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience helping participants overcome barriers, connect to resources, and achieve housing or self-sufficiency goals.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, Assertive Engagement, motivational interviewing, or other participant-centered service approaches.
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, Fair Housing principles, housing resources, and community services, or the ability to quickly learn them.
• Strong relationship-building, advocacy, and communication skills with participants, landlords, community partners, and coworkers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems creatively, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Experience with HMIS or other case management databases is preferred.
• Bi-lingual fluency preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable access to an automobile during work hours.

So, about that generous benefits package …

We’re here to support our employees in maintaining a healthy work/life balance by providing:

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with our base HMO plan and deductible reimbursement starting the first of the month 30 days after your start date.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• Free (employer-paid premiums) for short-term and long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance.
• Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with a 2% employer match after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, and a floating birthday holiday.
• A six-week paid sabbatical after every seven years of consecutive employment with Our Just Future.
• Access to an employee assistance program.

Want to help make a difference?

Our Just Future (OJF) counters the forces that keep people and communities in poverty by building relationships and assets that create opportunity today and for future generations. 

We partner   with people and communities impacted by poverty so they can achieve long-term housing and economic security. We invest in affordable housing and community assets that contribute to strong, inclusive neighborhoods. We advocate   with our community for policies and investments that expand housing and economic opportunity, eliminate wealth inequality and end poverty .

East Portland/East Multnomah County, Oregon is our home and the heart of our investments, advocacy and programs.

Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where all people can share the security, hopes, and advantages of a thriving, supportive community.

Our Just Future operates as a nimble, financially strong organization driven by our passion, strategic goals, and guiding principles.

Diversity, inclusion and equity are fundamental values for Our Just Future’s, both internally and externally.

Our Just Future is working to end homelessness and poverty in our community because every one of us deserves a safe place to call home.