Employment Specialist

About the Organization

Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with people across New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration, criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership of directly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all New Yorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Why Join the Team?

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance.

Job Summary : Responsible for ensuring that the program’s employment, education, and training targets are met. Develops and implements an individualized career plan with each participant. Provide employment and career support to program participants helping them to obtain, retain, and advance in employment, complete vocational training, earn industry recognized credentials, increase their educational advancement and access program and community services. Regularly follow-up with participants and service providers, updating the career plan as needed. Frequent transportation of clients to DMV, DSS, Federal Building, etc., required to obtain identification documents. Provide transportation from the jail to the home office on the participant’s day of release.

Duties and Responsibilities:

**** Assist with screenings and program recruitment, orientations and intake as needed.

Develop, implement, and update an individual career plan (Road Map) with each participant which is based on job readiness levels and interests and, when appropriate, on risk scores.

Engage participants in job readiness services including resume preparation, completion of an interest inventory, career exploration, job readiness classes and other similar activities.

Work with participants to acquire any identification documents needed for employment and drive them to locations as needed.

Co-facilitate job readiness, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and other classes, as needed.

Work with stakeholders to develop and maintain relationships with local employers and trade unions to facilitate job placement, retention, and advancement. Occasionally drive participants to job fairs or interviews.

Engage participants in job search, job application and career advancement activities (including job clubs, job fairs and similar activities) which lead to job placement and advancement, per the Road Map, coordinating with other staff as appropriate.

Engage participants in vocational training/education enrollment, completion, and attainment of industry recognized credentials, per the Road Map.

Engage participants in post-employment services necessary for job retention or career advancement including worksite supports, employer contacts, calls, job retention groups, rapid re-employment and other needed interventions.

Maintain regular contact with participants, employers, and training providers to obtain timely and accurate verification of employment/retention and enrollment, attendance and completion of training, and verification of industry recognized credentials per established program procedures and funder requirement.

Facilitate participant entry into housing, treatment, health, mental health, recovery services, legal and other support services available through CCA or in the community.

Complete all required forms, case notes, data collection, recording activities and reports necessary for effective case management and project accountability.

Participate in case review, case conferencing and program evaluations. Participate in in-service and outside training.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications: We seek talented, dedicated individuals who possess a strong commitment to CCA’s mission, including those with relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or criminal conviction; Experience working with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who are impacted by the criminal legal system, preferred; Experience providing employment services, preferred; BA/BS in public administration, health, social work, criminal justice preferred; Bi-lingual (English/Spanish), a plus; Excellent communication, writing and computer skills, required; valid NYS Driver’s License, access to registered and insured vehicle, and transporting participants in own vehicle, required; Occasional travel to out of town/state conferences and meetings. Ability to work with participants on Onondaga County Probation, required.