Employability Specialist

SAVE’s mission is to strengthen every individual and family we serve with the knowledge and support needed to break the cycle of domestic violence and build healthier lives. In pursuit of this mission, SAVE provides a comprehensive range of direct services to people experiencing domestic violence from immediate crisis intervention to long-term supportive services. SAVE offers competitive benefits and a fun and stimulating work environment.  We are focused on continually improving our survivor- centered, trauma- informed work and meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve.

The Position: The Employability Specialist (ES) is responsible for supporting the employment goals of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who are seeking services at SAVE. The ES works closely with the DV Housing First Program team and other SAVE program staff to ensure that survivors gain the skills and knowledge to progress on their path to achieving self-sustaining careers.  The ES also advocates on behalf of survivors and develops relationships with outside agencies and employers to broaden the employment prospects for survivors.

The Ideal Candidate: Strong candidates for this position will demonstrate an understanding of the specific issues faced by domestic violence survivors seeking to obtain and maintain living wage employment. The candidate will have a deep commitment to providing trauma-informed, client centered services and a desire to assist domestic violence survivors to access any and all services which would benefit them.  Previous experience working with in the employment services field is required. Previous experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence or other kinds of trauma is strongly desired. An understanding of the Bay Area employment market and knowledge of the resources available to unemployed and under-employed communities is a must. Experience developing programs and building community partnerships is also strongly desired. Candidates who are bilingual and bicultural and who have lived experience with domestic violence and/or underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties:

• Provide intensive employment focused case management services to survivors who are receiving services from SAVE.
• Conduct individual sessions with survivors to identify employment barriers, develop employment plans and provide ongoing support.
• Assist survivors to identify and enroll in school and/or employment training programs that will enhance economic stability. Provide necessary advocacy with educational/training institutions.
• Assist survivors to apply for and obtain benefits for which they are eligible (SSI/SSDI, CalWORKS,VOC). Provide necessary advocacy with governmental agencies.
• Provide regular mobile or in-home advocacy and case management as appropriate. This may include accompaniment to job fairs, employment sites, training programs, etc.
• Provide monthly employment focused workshops on resume preparation, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette.
• Maintain a directory of resources and employment opportunities which would benefit program participants.
• Develop relationships with local employers and training providers who can provide employment training and opportunities for survivors.
• Develop and maintain survivor files, ensuring the receipt and retention of necessary documentation related to assistance provided.
• Meet with the program manager for supervision regularly and as needed.
• Work closely with SAVE case management staff to coordinate client services.

General Duties: (shared by all direct service staff)                                                                                                               

• Respond to crisis calls and walk-in survivors.
• Maintain up-to-date files and records of all services provided.
• Provide emergency transportation to survivors.
• Attend all required meetings, including staff meetings, trainings, consultations, and retreats.
• Assist with training new staff members and volunteers.
• Assume responsibility for site security and safety as needed.
• Provide input into program planning and developments.
• Assist with maintaining program operations and office functions as needed.

Ability to perform the duties described above.  A typical means of acquiring those abilities would be:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in human services, social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, or related field
• Prior experience providing employment-related case management, career readiness, and employment retention services.
• Prior experience in conducting vocational assessments and understanding transferable skills, aptitudes and abilities as well as the barriers that hinder employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the special employment needs of diverse groups including employment law as it pertains to SAVE clients.
• At least two year’s experience working with domestic violence survivors.
• Experience conducting training, workshops, support groups.
• Bilingual skills and/or bicultural experience preferred.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a background investigation.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated understanding of a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to intimate partner violence, including comprehensive knowledge of the signs, cycles, nuances, types, and risk factors for abuse.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively, and respectfully with staff, volunteers, survivors, and community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, partner status, faith, age, socio-economic status, gender identification, and physical or mental ability.
• Strict adherence to SAVE’s confidentiality and privacy policies, and the ability to recognize sensitive issues and act accordingly.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors and marginalized, unserved/underserved communities.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of environments or work demands.
• Ability to support and respond with humility to diversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Ability to work in a crisis-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of SAVE.
• Computer literate with knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher) and client services tracking databases.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license, insurance, and access to an automobile. Proof of insurance and loss payee endorsement is required. Must meet agency's driving requirements.
• Must have completed or complete the state-mandated 40-hour domestic violence counselor training upon hiring.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: By October 31, 2021, SAVE expects all eligible employees, interns and on-site volunteers to either (a) establish that they have been fully vaccinated; or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation.

Interdependencies with Other SAVE Areas/Programs:

Shelter, Crisis Response Services, Youth Services Program, Linkages, Clinical Services, Empowerment Center, Development

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to remain in a stationary position; move, traverse; sit; operate, activate, use, prepare, and position; perform repetitive motion, data entry; ascend/descend, work atop, traverse; position self (to), move; communicate, detect, discern, convey, and express oneself, exchange information; understand and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.  The employee must occasionally move, transport, position, put/remove, or install up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to the weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants can also apply here: https://save.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=23. All applications must include a cover letter and resume.

As an equal opportunity employer, SAVE supports equal opportunity for employment and advancement free of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex (includes sexual harassment) pregnancy (childbirth or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), mental or physical disability (includes HIV and AIDS), political affiliation/opinion, Veteran's status, or request for family medical leave. SAVE is committed to ensuring that the work environments of SAVE employees are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.