Employment Specialist

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing. At NAICA, we’re committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Title: Employment Specialist Reports to: Director of Social Services Pay Range: $24.72 - $24.72 per hour (effectively $45,000 - $45,000 per year) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Status: Full-time (35 hour per week) Role Summary The successful candidate will assess residents’ interests, employment history, and aptitudes to develop tailored employment plans through vocational and educational counseling, referrals for skills development, job readiness preparation, training, and employment placement programs, leading to full-time or part-time unsubsidized employment. The Employment Specialist will collaborate with colleagues to address the vocational and educational needs of their caseload, contributing to program success while aligning with NAICA’s core purpose, values, and vision. Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties The Employment Specialist is responsible for, but not limited to: Provide counseling and assistance to clients to achieve employment and housing goals. Coordinate client employment training while optimizing cost containment to expedite their return to work. Monitor and document client progress to ensure goals and objectives are met. Consult with clients to discuss options and goals, developing plans for accessing necessary services. Connect clients to external resources to support employment opportunities. Utilize assessment tools (CARES, Vocational Profile) to identify support service needs and make appropriate referrals. Orient clients to the shelter program, including requirements and consequences. Develop and maintain clients’ Independent Living Plans (ILP) and Psychosocial records via CARES. Assist non-working clients in obtaining Public Assistance. Track and monitor client progress or lack thereof through documentation in CARES. Facilitate group or individual sessions to motivate and empower clients in their planning and goal setting. Conduct weekly or bi-weekly meetings with clients, or as needed. Refer clients for job development and subsequent employment opportunities when appropriate. Direct clients to resources to support their goal attainment. Provide after-care services to address issues, challenges, and successes, enhancing long-term self-sufficiency. Maintain client files, including conversations, warnings, progress reports, and documentation of all incidents via CARES. Report critical incidents immediately to the Director of Social Services. Collaborate with Housing Specialists and Case Managers to assess client readiness for employment and/or housing. Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity. Refer clients to internal and external resources, serving as an advocate when necessary. Develop and sustain connections with other programs and units within the organization for inter-agency referrals. Substitute for other employment staff as needed. Physical Requirements Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over. Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods. Ability to travel to different locations within New York City, as needed. Staff must continue working past their shift unless relieved by another staff member or authorized to leave by a supervisor. Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods. May be required to work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Qualifications Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of direct social service experience; OR, Associate degree in Human Services or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of direct social service experience; OR, High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with a minimum of eight (8) years of direct social service experience. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to be compassionate yet firm while maintaining confidentiality at all times. Knowledge of community resources. Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and listen effectively. Capacity to remain calm in crisis situations. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively under pressure. Exceptional organizational skills, with a detail-oriented and efficient approach. Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment. Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes. Must pass drug screening to be appointed. This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment. NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io with the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.” Competitive Benefits Package Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees Paid Holidays and Vacation Paid Time-off Vol Life Insurance and AD&D Term Life and AD&D insurance Long Term Disability Employee Assistance Program support (EAP) Commuter Benefits Program Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital Employee Discount Program False Statements Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment. At-Will Employment Disclaimer While we sincerely hope to form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs, Inc.