Employment Specialist I

Employment Specialist I

Turning Point of Central California, Inc. was founded in 1970. For over 50 years now, we have been transforming lives across the state of California. From mental health to community corrections, children's services, housing programs, recovery services, substance abuse disorders & more; we serve people in need. Our desire is to see individuals reach their full potential, and create lasting change that will stand the test of time.

The Golden State Residential Reentry Center (RRC) is a federally funded community confinement program operated in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) and Turning Point. The RRC provides structured, supportive services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Through individualized reentry planning, the program promotes accountability, employment readiness, financial stability, substance abuse education, and community reintegration. The co-ed facility accommodates up to 40 adult residents in custody and supervises up to 20 individuals on home confinement through GPS monitoring.

The employment specialist (ES) plays a critical role in preparing residents for successful workforce reintegration. Reporting to the assistant program director (APD) and program director, this position is responsible for assessing employment readiness, developing individualized employment plans, and connecting residents to job opportunities that align with their skills and reentry goals. The ES facilitates employment workshops, coordinates with local employers and workforce agencies, and ensures compliance with FBOP employment verification and reporting requirements. This role requires strong knowledge of labor market trends, community engagement skills, and the ability to support justice-involved individuals in achieving meaningful and sustainable employment.

Essential job responsibilities include:

1. Support all residents actively engaged in employment, vocational training, job-seeking, or volunteer activities by providing individualized assistance, monitoring progress, and ensuring all services align with the RRC statement of work (SOW).
2. Conduct employment assessments to evaluate residents' job readiness, education, work history, vocational interests, and social needs. Use this information to develop individualized employment plans (IEPs) that support reentry goals.
3. Provide individual and group services focused on employment preparation, vocational development, and educational advancement. Topics include resume writing, interview techniques, professional dress, workplace expectations, and career planning.
4. Facilitate employment-related workshops, seminars, and job fairs, either on-site or in partnership with community colleges, workforce development agencies, and other organizations.
5. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of job openings in Fresno County and surrounding areas. Build and sustain relationships with employers and community partners to support job placement and retention.
6. Utilize online career tools and resources, including the Department of Labor's one-stop system, America's career infonet, and other computer-based platforms to assist residents with job searches and career development.
7. Match residents' skills and experience to appropriate job opportunities to maximize job retention and long-term success.
8. Verify employment through on-site visits within seven calendar days of job placement. Document the visit, including the date and contact person. Conduct monthly follow-up checks via phone or site visits to confirm attendance and address any concerns.
9. Ensure employers are notified of each resident's legal status prior to employment and obtain written verification of this notification. Maintain documentation in the resident's file. Residents may not deliver this notification themselves.
10. Collaborate with case workers to integrate employment goals into the individual program plan (IPP) and support reentry programming.
11. Develop a plan to engage residents who are not employed or actively progressing toward employment within 30 days of arrival in productive activities such as volunteer work or community service. Collaborate with the case worker to submit biweekly status reports to the RRM, and maintain all related documentation in the resident's file in accordance with FBOP requirements.
12. Monitor residents' employment status, including job site approvals, work schedules, overtime, income verification, and compliance with FBOP reporting requirements.
13. Assist residents in appropriately utilizing community resources and referral services related to employment, education, and vocational training.
14. Document resident progress, behavioral observations, and significant interventions in accordance with FBOP contract standards.
15. Assist with conducting prison rape elimination act (PREA) risk assessments during intake and reassessments within 30 days of initial assessment as needed.
16. Educate residents on program procedures and expectations, reinforcing accountability, and promoting successful reintegration.
17. Ensure availability for one-on-one meetings with residents as needed to address emerging needs or concerns.
18. Assist with monitoring resident accountability, including reviewing and approving job passes, tracking movement in the community, and following up on rule infractions.
19. Monitor residents on home confinement, including GPS and telephone check-ins, and assist with conducting home and work site visits as required.
20. Maintain complete and compliant resident files as they relate to employment in accordance with FBOP contract requirements. Ensure all documentation is current, filed promptly, and organized to reflect accurate and timely case activity.
21. Collect and submit required data for FBOP reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
22. Participate in all required agency trainings, including FBOP-mandated and PREA-specific training sessions.
23. Attend team meetings and program review team (PRT) meetings and other scheduled meetings as directed by the APD or program director.
24. Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in accordance with FBOP, PREA, and agency policies.
25. As needed participate in resident disciplinary hearings when rules are violated. Help prepare incident reports and required forms, and ensure residents are treated fairly and consistently according to FBOP and RRC policies.
26. Handle, store, and transmit protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) in compliance with HIPAA and agency policies.
27. Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in workload and assignments.
28. Will think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
29. Will drive on agency business.
30. Physical presence at the program is required.

Essential job requirements include:

1. Four-year degree in a social, human services, criminal justice or behavioral science program form an accredited college or university and a minimum of one (1) year work experience working in a human services, corrections, or community-based services. Work experience may be substituted for academic studies, exchanging one (1) year of work experience in a related field for one (1) year of academic education. Total work experience needed in lieu of the combination of education and work experience is five (5) years.
2. Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in guidance, counseling, career development, or job placement. Experience may be substituted with a specialized degree or certification in guidance, counseling, or career development.
3. Knowledge of current labor market trends and familiarity with employment resources, including the Department of Labor's one-stop system and online career platforms (e.g., America's career infonet), preferred.
4. Experience conducting employment assessments and developing individualized employment plans (IEPs) tailored to justice-involved individuals, preferred.
5. Ability to facilitate employment-related workshops and educational groups including resume writing, interview preparation, and job readiness training.
6. Current certified training in emergency first aid and CPR procedures, preferred.
7. Ability to write substantive and grammatically correct reports.
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with residents, employers, workforce partners, and multidisciplinary staff teams.
9. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including case worker, monitor staff, program leadership, and external partners.
10. Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
11. Maintain accurate records, files, and databases.
12. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgement in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
13. Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
14. Prepare, review, and present reports, recommendations, and other correspondence and communications in a clear and concise manner.
15. Be on-site at the assigned location during regularly scheduled work hours.
16. Must complete minimum required hours of assigned training on an annual basis.
17. Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
18. Adhere to HIPAA regulations and agency protocols for handling protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII), ensuring confidentiality and data security.
19. Ability to work effectively and professionally with staff and program participants.
20. Experience in de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, or behavioral intervention strategies, preferred.
21. Ability to work with residents and staff members of diverse cultural backgrounds.
22. Intermediate computer skills in Office 3