Employment Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Employment Specialist 

POSITION REPORTS TO: Director of Social Services

ORGANIZATION

VIP Community Services is dedicated to changing lives and transforming our community. We offer a continuum of services to individuals with histories of chemical dependency. Our client-centered approach empowers people to take charge of their lives and discover their personal paths to self-sufficiency.

Please visit www.vipservices.org to learn more.

POSITION SUMMARY: This position assists shelter residents seek employment and/or vocational training as applicable to facilitate self-sufficiency. Under the direction of the Director, this position will establish and track the employment status of all clients. The Employment Specialist will facilitate all aspects of the vocational transition from shelter to independent living for all clients participating in vocational activities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

· Complete vocational assessments on all new admissions in the program within 72 hours of admission and prepare a discharge plan.

· Match job openings to job candidates

· Monitor job retention rate

· Work with employers to understand their needs

· Work with candidates to understand their skill set

· Administer skill tests to candidates

· Conduct mock interviews

· Revise resumes to help the candidate find a job

· Recommend training to job candidates

· Participate in case conferences and case reviews in collaboration with the case management team

· Provide weekly reports documenting housing and vocational status of all clients within the facility.

· Mandatory Callahan participation required

· Assists residents by providing referrals to employment and training programs.

· Maintain and regularly update a data bank of resources for vocational referrals.

· Participate in the follow-up and after care process treatment with the clinical team.

· Prepare monthly statistical reports and other data as required or indicated.

· Maintain appropriate documentation including summaries and notes are completed according to procedure.

· Network with ACCESS, ACE, WILD CATS, Fortune Society, Summer Youth 21-24, NYCETC, and other employment programs

· Maintain professional working relationships with all staff, clients and visitors.

· Participate in educational sessions, retreats, agency meetings and other professional trainings as assigned.

· All other duties as assigned by the Director of Shelters or other authorized parties

A. Participate in Job Training and Educational Programs, Meetings and Committees.

· Attend mandatory in-service annually

· Participate in various committees and meetings as requested, including DHS Housing Placement and related meetings.

· Attend seminars to further professional development.

· Maintain a high level of industry knowledge and keep the Director aware of changes required/recommended in agency operations.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

· Two years experience preferably in a residential treatment program.

· Possess knowledge and ability to implement case management principles.

· Possess knowledge of community resources.

· Experience and knowledge of Windows computer systems and programs.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

· Ability to speak read and write a foreign language a plus.

JOB SETTING:

· Must possess sight, hearing and digital senses or use prosthesis that will enable the essential functions of the job to be completed.

NOTE: This description reflects management’s assignment of the essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Tasks are subject to change at any time due to any reasonable but necessary conditions.