Subsidized Employment Program (SEP) - Employment Retention Specialist

Overview

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 500 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children every night.


OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Employment Retention Specialist position for our Subsidized Employment Program located in Mather, California. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:


The Employment Retention Specialist supports participants placed in subsidized employment to help them successfully maintain work and transition to long term, unsubsidized employment in alignment with California CalWORKs and Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) program goals. Working as part of a workforce development team, this position provides ongoing retention-focused services including regular employment follow up, individualized coaching, problem-solving around workplace and personal barriers, and connection to supportive services such as transportation and work-related expenses. The Specialist maintains frequent contact with participants and employers during the subsidized placement and post placement retention period, monitors job performance and attendance, and facilitates conflict resolution to promote job stability and career advancement. This role also documents services and outcomes in required data systems, supports the administration of any eligible retention incentives, and contributes to meeting contract performance measures related to job retention, hours worked, and successful transitions off of aid toward self sufficiency.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for client placement to achieve the department's established objectives.

1. Manage relationships related to daily operational tasks and the job placement process within established business partnerships.
2. Meet clients weekly during the first two months of employment, then as needed, and conduct monthly follow-up meetings.
3. Hold monthly meetings with business partners to discuss participant status and progress.
4. Serve as a mediator when issues arise between participants and businesses.
5. Collaborate with businesses to understand participants' roles and track their progress.
6. Facilitate initial program orientation sessions and weekly job club/alumni group meetings.
7. Provide retention support to participants at critical employment milestones.
8. Experience working with small and medium-sized business communities is preferred.
9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively within teams to resolve problems and foster a positive work environment.
10. Possess an understanding of job retention strategies.
11. Lead and facilitate conversations with business owners and program participants.

B. Responsible for the training and development of new clients.

1. Help facilitate orientation sessions and prepare orientation materials for new referrals.
2. Maintain knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to ensure a safe environment for clients and staff.

C. Responsible for personal professional development.

1. Continuously enhance technical skills and interpersonal abilities.
2. Attend staff meetings, training, and complete required certifications such as CPR and First Aid.

D. Documentation and reporting for monthly submissions.

1. Prepare monthly retention reports for DHA.
2. Provide monthly employment retention reports for participants up to 6-12 months.
3. Enroll participants into health record systems (Credible).
4. Collaborate with the team on the monthly financial report for county submissions.

Qualifications

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor's degree is preferred; however, a combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered. Applicants should have a minimum of three years of experience in employment and business development within the small business community. The position requires demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, understand oral and written instructions, and deliver services to clients without bias based on ethnicity or social background. Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis in Excel. Experience with accounts payable/receivable is a plus. Flexibility to work irregular hours and willingness to collaborate as part of a team are essential. Valid California driver's license and ability to meet the organization's insurance carrier guidelines are required. Reliable transportation and auto insurance required; mileage will be reimbursed. Must pass all required background clearances in accordance with agency, County, State, and federal standards. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment. Completion and maintenance of all required training and health clearances.


SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork Skills
Proficiency in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable (AP/AR) processes to support monthly reporting.
Strong attention to detail in communication, data entry, and accounting tasks is highly desirable.
Advanced computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
Familiarity with remote video conferencing platforms is required.
Experience working with cloud-based applications, especially Microsoft 365.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Aptitude for assisting and motivating team members.
Solid analytical and decision-making capabilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the workday
Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds
Ability to travel between campus and community locations as needed
Able to climb stairs as required

Pay Range

USD $26.11 - USD $26.11 /Hr.