Employment Specialist

Job Description

Seedco is an affiliate of The Acacia Network, one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and one of the largest Hispanic-led nonprofits in the State, providing integrated, culturally competent, and trauma-informed programs in the areas of health, housing, social services, economic development, and cultural revitalization to more than 150,000 individuals annually. Seedco is a national nonprofit organization that advances economic opportunity for people, businesses and communities in need.

The Recovery Works program responds to the reality that fewer than one in five individuals exiting treatment maintain long-term employment. By pairing clinical recovery with training, employment linkages, and retention coaching, the program promotes sustainable economic independence. The Recovery Works program integrates workforce development and recovery support services to help individuals in substance use or behavioral health treatment achieve sustained employment and stability. Services are trauma-responsive, evidence-informed, and coordinated through strong partnerships with clinical providers, employers, and community organizations. Building on more than 25 years of Seedco’s workforce and family-strengthening experience, the program connects job readiness, sector-based training, and long-term coaching with recovery services. opportunities.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in recovery with obtaining and retaining meaningful, long-term employment as they transition successfully into the community. This position provides employment counseling, job placement services, career development support, and connections to vocational training opportunities that promote economic self-sufficiency and recovery stability. The Employment Specialist develops and maintains partnerships with employers, workforce development agencies, training providers, treatment organizations, and community stakeholders to create employment opportunities for program participants. In collaboration with case managers and other program staff, the Employment Specialist assesses participants' employment readiness, identifies barriers to employment, and develops individualized employment plans that support successful workforce integration.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Employment Services and Participant Support

• Assess participants' employment readiness, skills, interests, and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment plans and provide job search, resume, interview, and career readiness assistance.
• Connect participants with long-term employment opportunities, vocational training, certifications, and workforce development resources.
• Provide ongoing employment retention support and coordinate with case managers to address barriers affecting employment success.

Employer and Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, training providers, and community partners.
• Conduct outreach to promote program services and create employment opportunities for participants.
• Collaborate with referral sources to communicate program eligibility requirements, referral procedures, and available services.

Intake, Enrollment, and Documentation

• Conduct participant intake, eligibility screenings, and employment assessments using established program guidelines.
• Complete and maintain accurate participant files, case notes, employment records, and required program documentation.
• Track employment placements, retention outcomes, and performance measures while ensuring compliance with agency policies and confidentiality requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Workforce Development, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience in workforce development, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, case management, human services, or related fields.
• Experience working with individuals in recovery, justice-involved populations, or underserved communities preferred.
• Experience developing employer partnerships and job placement opportunities preferred.
• Experience facilitating employment readiness workshops and career coaching services preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of workforce development programs, employment practices, vocational training resources, and labor market trends.
• Understanding of barriers faced by individuals transitioning from recovery services into employment and community living.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage employers and establish productive business partnerships.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to motivate and support participants in achieving employment goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel locally to employer locations, community meetings, training sites, and outreach events.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for employment-related activities and events.
• Successful completion of required background checks and agency training requirements

Please see our website: seedco.org

Company Description