Employment Specialist (Vigo County)

HVAF of Indiana houses, supports, and advocates for all veterans and their families to help them achieve the best possible quality of life.

• This is a public facing position that requires establishing connections with organizations that are hiring and/or are willing to provide interviews for clients, and actively maintains these connections to further develop partnerships with HVAF
• Actively works with team members and community partner agencies to help identify, evaluate, and assist potential and current clients
• Actively engages with the public and community partners to educate, promote and grow the Vigo County program
• Assists with client job placement and retention by developing resumes, facilitating interview practice, submitting applications, and networking with employers
• Maintains client records and documents services in HMIS, per agency standards
• Coordinates activities and services for clients to help them achieve their goals
• Assists with transportation or coordination of transportation of clients to and from job interviews
• Organizes and facilitates job fairs, hiring events, and training workshops
• Works with client’s employer and helps remediate possible client issues as warranted
• Actively keeps clients aware of important events, resources, and activities as warranted
• Locates appropriate resources for clients and makes appropriate referrals
• Actively collaborates with Workforce Development leadership and staff to implement needed programmatic and operational adjustments
• Attends community meetings to staff clients and act as agency liaison for the program
• Attend in person monthly meetings at HVAF’s Indianapolis HQ as scheduled and warranted for team building, operational planning, and 1:1 check-ins
• Actively engages with clients and actively maintains timely communication with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and community partners

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; Social Work degree is preferred
• Licensed in Social Work and/or related credentials are given priority
• Must have a valid Indiana driver’s license and be eligible for HVAF’s auto insurance at all times during employment per insurance carrier’s requirements
• Must be able to complete a background screening with an acceptable outcome
• Ability to lift, move, and organize items up to 45 pounds especially when helping clients move-in and move-out
• Willingness to be flexible and cooperative and maintain a positive attitude and demeanor in all situations
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills and also effectively collaborate with other teams and departments within the agency
• Acquired knowledge of all HVAF programs, understanding of programs, and ability to refer to HVAF programs
• Demonstrated strong understanding and comprehension of programs and community resources
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and through presentations
• Demonstrated strong time management skills and ability to prioritize according to urgency and deadlines
• Knowledgeable of and able to provide referrals to other community resources
• Knowledgeable of the factors associated with homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Dedication and commitment to the agency and to helping people

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position.  This is not an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  Other duties may be assigned as necessary to complete the overall objectives of HVAF of Indiana, Inc.’s mission.