RISE Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The RISE Employment Specialist supports the RISE (Re-entering into Successful Employment) program by providing career development, job-readiness training, employment navigation, and employer engagement services to justice-involved young adults ages 18-24 served by Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. The position helps participants prepare for and obtain education, training, Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), and unsubsidized employment opportunities in high-growth industries, AI infrastructure, information technology, healthcare, and transportation. The RISE Employment Specialist uses a high-tech, high-touch approach, including TransitionConnect, virtual reality (VR) career exploration, digital tools, and individualized coaching, while collaborating with RISE staff, workforce partners, training providers, and employers throughout the Louisiana service area of Jefferson, Plaquemines, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide foundational skills training including digital literacy, financial literacy, soft skills, workplace etiquette, professionalism, and resume and cover letter development 
• Develop individualized job-search strategies using TransitionConnect, VR career exploration, networking, social media, job boards, recruitment agencies, and community resources 
• Provide career counseling and coaching to help participants identify career pathways, understand job responsibilities, wages, qualifications, and advancement opportunities, and make informed career decisions 
• Connect participants to education, training, Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), work-based learning, and unsubsidized employment aligned with their skills, interests, credentials, and career goals 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, recruiters, workforce and community partners, and training providers; identify second-chance employers and solicit employment, apprenticeship, job-shadowing, and work-experience opportunities 
• Maintain current knowledge of local labor-market conditions and employer needs, with emphasis on VOASELA target industries 
• Organize and support hiring events, labor exchanges, and career-readiness workshops, including partnerships with community colleges, universities, and workforce training providers 
• Work to match participant skills and interests to appropriate job placements to support long-term job retention 
• Use TransitionConnect and approved program technology to support career exploration, employer and apprenticeship matching, and documentation of participant employment milestones 
• Accurately and timely document RISE Employment Specialist services and participant progress in Bonterra Apricot; track employment outcomes, employer and position information, wages, verification, retention, and participant check-ins 
• Coordinate with Reentry Specialists and RISE staff to align career services with each participant's Individual Development Plan (IDP), assessment results, credential goals, career pathway, and employment milestones 
• Serve as the program's lead point of contact for employer engagement and job placement, coordinating with RISE Case Manager on participant readiness and referrals 
• Collaborate with RISE staff and partners to maintain program fidelity, participant engagement, and achievement of employment, education, training, credential, and apprenticeship outcomes 
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the RISE program

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

• None

KEY CONTACTS

Maintains critical relationships with the following:

• Employers and recruiters; workforce-development and American Job Center partners; RISE training and Registered Apprenticeship Program partners; community-based service providers 
• VOASELA RISE program staff, including RISE Case Managers

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, workforce development, business, human resources, counseling, or a related field, plus relevant experience in workforce development, career navigation, case management, recruitment, or employment services; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Experience working with young adults and/or justice-involved populations preferred
• Knowledge of career development, workforce systems, employer engagement, job-search strategies, and barriers affecting justice-involved young adults
• Knowledge of workforce development, human resources, recruitment practices, career counseling, job placement, and employer engagement
• Knowledge of or ability to learn local labor-market trends, high-growth occupations, industry-recognized credentials, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and career pathways relevant to Southeast Louisiana
• Skill in using Microsoft Office applications and online career platforms, job-search engines, social media, and other digital employment tools
• Ability to learn and effectively use Bonterra Apricot, TransitionConnect, VR career-exploration tools, and other program technology
• Ability to maintain accurate, timely, confidential records and use data systems to document services, milestones, and outcomes
• Strong organizational, documentation, presentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish public relations, build employer networks, and collaborate effectively with participants, employers, training providers, workforce partners, community organizations, and professionals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to provide participant-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based career services
• Ability to facilitate individual and group career-readiness activities and adapt instruction to participant needs
• Strong professional ethics, sound judgment, reliability, follow-through, and the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, recognize problems, and take appropriate corrective action in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel locally as required to provide services, attend employer/industry events, and support program activities

Must have:

• Current driver's license issued by state of residence
• Current Vehicle Inspection decal
• Current vehicle insurance
• Current vehicle registration in state of residence
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report
• Must be able to pass required background screening in accordance with agency policy, including a criminal history investigation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment generally while seated at a desk. Dexterity is required to perform work with a personal computer keyboard, calculator, and other office equipment

Grant Funding Contingency:

• This position is supported by grant and/or contract funding awarded to Volunteers of America, which is subject to renewal by the grantor
• Continued employment in this role is therefore contingent upon the ongoing availability of this funding and satisfactory job performance
• Volunteers of America will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice if funding is not renewed or is reduced, however, there is no guaranteed employment for any specific duration or beyond the availability of grant funding

From July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029, VOA will administer the RESTART Program through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Education and Training Administration (ETA). The total value of the grant is $5,100,00, of which 100% is federally funded and 0% is from non-federal funding.