EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SPECIALIST

Employment Placement Specialist

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

The Employment Placement Specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating employment job searches for residents in the community, including initial assessment, scheduling, and supervision of residents. It is responsible for ensuring that all field and phone surveillance requirements are met. In addition, it provides individual and group job readiness discussions and training in accordance with organizational policies and contract requirements.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• The Employment Placement Specialist provides employment orientation for all new residents and assesses their situation so suitable employment can be found.
• Assists residents in obtaining necessary documents to provide identity and right to work so that they will meet employer requirements.
• The Employment Placement Specialist uses job placement resources both in the RRC and in the community, to include the Department of Labor's (DOL) One-Stop System.
• Facilitates the Employment Assistance Program.
• The Employment Placement Specialist facilitates the Individualized Program Plan (IPP).
• Provides employment information assistance using computer-based technology and resources which include career assistance software and on-line resources, i.e., Internet, America's Career Info Net. The Employment Placement Specialist will have direct access to the internet to meet this requirement.
• Facilitates individual and group counseling, case management, and post-release follow-up relative to employment within the community, to include the area where the resident plans to live following release.
• Organizes employment job fairs either on-site or in partnership with other organizations, such as community colleges.
• To maximize job retention, makes every effort to match a resident's skill levels to an actual job placement.
• Contacts prospective employers and employment services by phone, mail, and in-person to describe the program's objects and solicit cooperation in providing job opportunities.
• Prepares and keeps current a list of all prospective employers and jobs available in the area.
• Establishes a referral system.
• Meets with residents to establish a job search work plan that is both viable and realistic.
• Conducts group meetings with unemployed residents weekly to teach job search skills including Portfolio development, application completion, resume writing, or interviewing techniques so that they might present themselves in a more positive way to prospective employers and increase their employment potential.
• Monitors residents pay stubs in order to ensure they have continued in their employment and that they have worked the number of hours for which they have been signed out in the log.
• Makes periodic on-site job inspections if mandated by the contract.
• Develops and maintains a job bank, referral sources for vocational training classes, and Community Resource Manual so that updated employment opportunities and resources will be readily available to residents.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with the state, county and federal program administrators who can provide assistance to residents with on-the-job training and education. Contacts other available sources of subsidized assistance training programs.
• Verifies itineraries, as required by contract, to ensure residents are meeting program goals and contract requirements.
• Verifies residents' employment or school attendance to ensure residents are meeting employer and school standards, as required by contract.
• Makes entries in residents' files regarding employment and school status and progress so that progress can be measured, and assistance given, as needed.
• Maintains or exceeds employment goals that have been established by management to improve resident morale and enhance self-esteem through employment.
• Implements formal or informal disciplinary action for rule violations according to procedure to comply with government and contracting agency requirements.
• Participates in staff meetings by sharing observations and recommendations regarding the facility, residents, and staff relations to identify and solve problems and function as a unified team.
• Maintains confidentiality obtained through job duties regarding employees, vendors, residents, outside agencies, etc. so that sensitive information is only given on a "need to know" basis.
• Complies with work rules and policies as explained in the company Employee Handbook, and the Facility Policies and Procedures Manual; and responds positively to directives from managers and supervisors in a cooperative spirit to ensure conformance to standards.
• Adheres to attendance policy; work overtime as required, to ensure adequate coverage of the program and to ensure the safety and security of the residents.
• Complies with safety rules; take appropriate corrective action to ensure work is performed in a safe manner and without injury to self or others.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of staff in a manner that promotes a team spirit and a sense of cooperation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements include:

• High School diploma or equivalent and one (1) or more years of related experience. Bachelor's degree may be substituted for previous experience.
• Familiar with community work force needs, public and private agencies, and employment services
• Must hold a current and active Driver's License and be insurable by The Company's insurance company.
• Ability to instruct.
• Ability to maintain positive community relationships.
• Ability to effectively interface with residents and staff.
• Ability to motivate and create an atmosphere of enthusiasm toward work ethic.
• Ability to express thoughts logically, in both written and verbal form using correct grammar.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility in order to perform a wide range of duties.
• Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department