Employment Specialist-Part-Time

POSITION: Employment SpecialistPROGRAM/LOCATION: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)3180 Newberry Drive, San Jose, CA 95118SUPERVISOR: Program ManagerJob Type: Non-ExemptJob Status: Full TimeCompensation: $28.35 HourlyAGENCY SUMMARY:Established in 1980, with 40+ years of experience, we are the premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. We believe that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We relentlessly focus on eliminating barriers to housing and creating stability for everyone we serve. HomeFirst Services serves more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year at multiple locations from Gilroy to Menlo Park – all of Santa Clara County as well as southern San Mateo County.Services include:Homelessness preventionEmergency and cold-weather sheltersComprehensive Veterans’ servicesRapid Re-Housing programsBridge Housing CommunitiesEmergency Interim HousingAffordable permanent housingPermanent Supportive HousingStreet-based outreachBenefits of joining the HomeFirst Team:Professional growth opportunities within the organization100% medical coverage for employees with an opportunity to add dependents for a shared cost401k match up to 4%12 observed holidaysPTO accrual begins with 120 hours annually and increases with tenure4 hours of Civic Engagement PTO provided annuallyAccess to our Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) servicesPet insurance options availableHomeFirst Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law. HomeFirst Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.Role SummaryThe goal of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is to end and prevent Veteran homelessness in Santa Clara County. Participants receive individualized case management and targeted financial assistance in accordance with Progressive Engagement, Harm Reduction, and Housing First models of service. The SSVF Employment Specialist supports this goal by providing employment support to Veterans such as resume building, job searching, interview prep and more. The Employment Specialist is responsible for ensuring that HomeFirst creates relationships and partnerships with employment partners in the community to betters support our Veterans. The Employment Specialist will assess Veteran’s employment needs at point of intake and throughout enrollment, assist Veterans in securing employment, resolve barriers to employment access.QualificationsEducation and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field preferred and a minimumof 1 year of relevant work experienceSkills, Abilities, and KnowledgeUS Military Veteran is desired but not requiredAbility to quickly build trust and rapport in interpersonal relationshipsStrong written and oral communication skillsExceptional listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skillsExperience in utilizing basic office software: MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, ExcelStrong facilitation and mediation skillsAbility to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and outside agenciesAbility to manage multiple projects concurrently and be flexible with prioritiesAbility to make quick and sound decisionsDemonstrated ability to develop and maintain priorities and meet established deadlinesExceptional organizational skillsHigh level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriatelyAbility to work with people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgroundsUnderstanding of PTSDUnderstanding of fair housing law and tenants’ rights and responsibilitiesUnderstanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homelessUnderstanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the VeteransUnderstanding of and strong adherence to social work ethicsOtherValid CA driver license and auto insuranceAbility to be added to HomeFirst InsuranceReliable personal vehicleAbility to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasionAbility to visit clients in the community, which may require walking upstairsQualitiesThe Employment Specialist is passionate about serving others and sees themself in a helping profession long term. They are pro-active and responsive to the needs of our participants, meeting them “where they’re at” and bridging the gap between the individual and our services.They manage their time well and demonstrate strong organizational abilities. With the support of programleadership, the Employment Specialist participates in our culture of learning and increases their knowledge of evidence-based practices over the course of their employment. Together, we model the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community. HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Employment Specialist seeks to work with peoplefrom a variety of social and economic backgrounds. They are a highly collaborative member of our participant services team and enjoy a team-oriented work environment.DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:Direct Client Contact/Case Management (70%)Research job leads online, in newspapers, and through agencies and resources, and makesthese leads available to clientsKeep up-to-date regarding job fairs and Internet resourcesAssist participants in assessing their job skills for positionsInstruct in job seeking, application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and jobretention skills and attitudeProvide job search/career information workshops and presentationsFacilitate employment/hiring events, such as job fairs and on-site job interviews withemployersDevelop employment opportunities for Veterans through networking, offering programeducation to employers, and other meansShare employment resources with SSVF case management teamWork with case managers and clients to develop and implement employment goals in theindividual case management plan and provide support to help the clients achieve their goalsMeet regularly with program participants and case managers at a frequency determined bythe clients’ needsAssist employers to develop techniques to effectively supervise consumers and work tomaintain satisfactory HomeFirst/employer relationshipProvide appropriate referrals to other community servicesAssist with other duties assignedService Documentation and Evaluation (20%)Document via HMIS all Health Care Navigator activity within 3 business days and maintain all other case file paperwork and documentationCommunicate regularly with other staff and service providers via email, incident reports and briefingsEffectively utilize case conferencing and supervision to support Employment Specialist workGeneral (10%)Attend all meetings and required trainings as relevant to this positionAssist with other duties assignedHomeFirst Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.HomeFirst Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.HomeFirst Services takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021. #J-18808-Ljbffr