NEW POSITION: Employment Specialist (dual locations)

TITLE: Employment Specialist

LOCATIONS: This position is split between Job Central at148 Hamilton Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 (school building of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church) & Jan Peek Shelter, 200 North Water St., Peekskill NY 10566.

Are you a dynamic, problem-solver who can build trust with individuals seeking employment and who has experience helping people find jobs? Lifting Up Westchester's Job Central was created to address an unmet need - the financial stability of unemployed and underemployed very low-income adults experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. Job Central staff assist individuals with resume creation, mock interviews, completing job applications, strengthening job readiness skills, and finding employment. We help individuals develop goals and support them to achieve jobs with opportunities for advancement. Once we assist someone with finding suitable full- and part-time jobs, the employment specialist continues to support individuals with ongoing services for 12 months to support job retention and their ability to become independent and self-sufficient.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: •

• Administer and effectively analyze skill assessments to support participants in identifying a realistic job opportunity


• Coach and assist with cover letters, resumes, and job applications. Help participants obtain required documents, when appropriate.


• Prepare participants for job interviews.


• Effectively engage clients to encourage participation in educational, vocational or other related skills-based development opportunities.


• Provide post-employment services to support maintaining employment and fostering self-sufficiency such as conflict resolution, reducing performance obstacles, workplace etiquette, encouraging upward mobility/job growth/new opportunities, and seeking educational enhancement.


• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with key businesses and places offering job opportunities, apprenticeships, professional development, and training.


• Accurately prepare and enter progress notes weekly into the LUW database for participants, detailing interactions, observations, progress or challenges in meeting set goals and action items.


• Participate as a presenter for training workshops offered by Job Central.QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of 3 years of experience working in the social services field, particularly in the employment sector.


2. Experience, comfort, and desire to work with vulnerable populations (i.e. individuals experiencing homelessness, extremely low income, persons with disabilities, re-entry, and individuals who have fled from domestic violence.)


3. Possess and develop connections to businesses and industries throughout Westchester County (preferred).


4. Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred).


5. Solid computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and data entry.


6. Bilingual in English & Spanish languages (preferred but not required).


7. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.


8. Must be comfortable traveling to and working in multiple locations including Jan Peek Shelter in Peekskill and Job Central in White Plains.


9. Valid driver's license is required for Westchester travel


10. Must be physically able to climb multiple flights of stairs daily.