Employment Specialist

Reports To:      Program Manager  

Salary:             $37,469 -
$39,520

FUNDING NOTICE: This position is funded by grants and other agency funds
and will require additional responsibilities as directed by the supervisor,
department director or COO.  This
position will be reviewed by March 31^st annually to determine
funding availability in the new fiscal year beginning July 1^st annually.

WORKING SCHEDULE:  This position is
designated as essential and will be required to report to the office during
inclement weather.  The coach will be issued a mobile device to manage
day, evening, and weekend programming at various agency sites and access to an
agency vehicle. This position will also be responsible for attending early
morning, evening, and weekend events as assigned.  

SUMMARY

Performs social work, mobility case management and employment services
for individuals and families served by the Hampton Roads Community Action
Program (HRCAP), a regional Community Action Agency.  This position involves serving as a subject
matter expert, a coach that will utilize the Whole Family Approach model, counseling
and assessing the needs of individuals and families, coordinating the provision
of needed services, and maintaining case records (paper and electronic). This position
is responsible for cross-training with other agency programs and services to
ensure that individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by providing
services and connecting to various Service Provider Network programs and all
local Departments of Social Services served by the HRCAP.

DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN EMPLOYMENT COACH/COUNSELOR include the following:

·         Establish
new employer relationships and maintain existing relationships with employers
to secure unsubsidized employment.

·         Develop
work sites for individuals enrolled in HRCAP work experience programs.

·         Teach
weekly job readiness classes.

·         Administer
various vocational assessments to include: personality assessments, interest
assessments, aptitude and skills assessments, work values assessments and
transferable skills assessments.

·         Screens
and match individuals with employment opportunities based on skill, work
experience, hobbies, and interests.

·         Coordinate
transportation services for individuals attending meetings as requested.

·         Provide
travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility
of all customers.

ADDITIONAL
RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other
duties within the scope of this position may be assigned. 
 

·         Manages intense caseload and coordinates internal and
external services for assigned families.  Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assess needs of households
and determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients regularly,
assigns clients to activities aligned with individual and household development
plans.

·         Determines
eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using EmpowOR Client Management
System.

·         Establishes
and monitors individual and household development plan goals through
information and assessment of client background.

·         Explains
nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reason and need
for assistance.

·         Explains
client responsibilities, rights and program availability.

·         Evaluates
employability status of clients and explores potential Workforce Development
Programs.

·         Processes
intake applications for necessary community resources and diversion.

·         Coordinates
and participates in out of office visits with family members and other
professionals.

·         Prepares
referrals for families requiring assistance; collaborates with Service Provider
Network and other agencies or professionals as needed.

·         Maintains
current listing community resources in empowOR.

·         Prepares
and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions
with clients by entering data into empowOR Client Management System.

·         Prepares
and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client
activity reports, service plans, assessment instruments, needs assessments,
purchase orders, invoices, applications, funding reports, charts, or other
documents.

·         Operates
several technology tools (desktop, laptop, tablet, cellphone, hotspot, etc.) to
enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and
makes corrections.

·         Utilize
MS Office, empowOR Client Management System, e-mail, internet, other computer
programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment,
such as replacing paper, ink, or toner.

·         Communicates
with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members,
companion aides, Newport News Human Services, government agencies, counselors,
medical provides, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys,
schools, Service Provider Network, professional colleagues, the public, and
other individuals as needed to coordinate activities, review status of
household plans, exchange information, or resolve problems.

·         Operates
a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.

·         Performs
general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering
data into computer, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes,
filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

·         Cross-trained
to support agency operations as directed by the supervisor. May be responsible
for performing other program duties as the agency receives new programs/grants.

·         Performs
other related duties as directed by the supervisor.

·         Represent
the organization in professional, civic, and community groups as requested by
the CEO.

SKILLS
REQUIRED include
the following.  Other skills within the
scope of this position may be assigned. 

·            Knowledge
of employment, vocational development, career development and personal
development programs and techniques.

·            Knowledge
of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and other local resources and
community service agencies.

·            Helps
establish performance measures and monitors outputs and outcomes.

·            Understanding
of data systems, including tracking, reporting, monitoring, customer
satisfaction, and evaluation.

·            Ability
to work independently, take initiative and be an effective team member.

·            High-level
communication and interpersonal skills a must.

·            Exceptional
time management skills with ability to multitask; ability to work well under
pressure, prioritize workload, and meet tight deadlines.

SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITIES

Comply
with all Federal, State and Local regulatory standards and procedures.

Abide
by all HRCAP’s Safety Policies, Rules and Regulations; maintain required
trainings and certifications for the jobs and equipment to be used; and
understand the potential safety hazards in the work area.

Ensure
that applicable personal protective equipment is worn, in proper operating
condition, and used for each job performed.

INFORMATION
PRIVACY AND SECURITY

This position will have
access to confidential information and is required to be familiar with the HRCAP’s
Privacy Policy related to the handling of data and using encryption software to
ensure data is secured at all times.  Any
data breaches are to be reported immediately to the Chief Operating Officer.

Requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree
  in social work, sociology, human services, psychology, or closely related field
  or three-year documented professional experience.
  
• Experience in
  human resources, community services, VEC workforce services and/or training
  programs.
  
• Three to five years’
  experience in social work and demonstrated experience with case management of
  low-income individuals and families.
  
• At least six
  months of documented experience with program eligibility evaluation and
  determination. TANF and AMI experience preferred.
  
• Ability to use
  multiple software systems to include but not limited to: Office 365, Adobe,
  Asana, Zoom, Teams.
  
• Must possess and
  maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license with applicable insurance to be
  provided when renewal occurs.
  
• Criminal record
  check, driving record and credit report may be required for employment
  
• Adept at networking, building
  relationships, and community engagement
  
• Ability to work across the
  organization to deliver solutions that meet internal and external objectives
  

Current
state driver’s license, proof of current auto insurance coverage, satisfactory
driving record and working vehicle required. Career Coaching, Workforce
Development, or Adult Counseling certification.

Benefits

Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP)
offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, effective the
first day of the month following your hire date. Benefits include:

·         Paid Time Off:

o    10
days of annual leave per year (accrued bi-weekly) for the first five years

o    Sick
leave accrued at 5 hours per pay period

o    1
paid day off annually for your birthday

o    11
paid holidays, including major federal holidays

·         Health & Wellness:

o    Medical,
dental, and vision insurance available for employees and dependents

o    HRCAP
covers 75% of health insurance premiums

o    Coverage
begins the first of the month after hire

o    Pre-tax
premium deductions via Section 125 Plan

·         Retirement:

o    403(b)
retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of
service

Additional details are provided in
the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.