VetWorks Employment Specialist

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

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with team members and community partner agencies to help identify, evaluate, and assist potential and current clients
• Maintains a caseload of clients and assists with career development with clients transitioning to other phases
• Works individually with clients to complete soft skills curriculum through the VetWorks program
• Assists with client job placement and retention by developing resumes, facilitating interview practice, submitting applications, and networking with employers
• Ensures client education and career retention by establishing check-ins through client’s participation in schooling and job placement
• Leads, facilitates, organizes, and conducts regularly occurring workshops, seminars, classes, etc.
• Actively engages with the public and community partners to educate, promote and grow the VetWorks program
• Maintains client records and documents services in HMIS, per agency standards
• Collaborates with external agents to follow guidelines of VetWorks program
• Collaborate with training providers and educational institutions to maintain existing relationships and establish new partnerships, ensuring a streamlined process for VetWorks participants to access industry-recognized training programs.
• Collaborates with Workforce Development leadership and staff to implement needed programmatic and operational adjustments
• Participates in trainings to serve the veteran population experiencing homelessness and the barriers related to employment challenges
• Actively engages and maintains timely communication with clients, colleagues, and community partners
• Engages community partners to place veterans in External Internships or On-The-Job Training roles outside of HVAF
• Attends community events, resource fairs, and job fairs to drive engagement for HVAF programming
• Follows all HVAF policies and procedures at all times

Education/Experience/Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; Social Work degree is preferred
• 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
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills and also effectively collaborate with other teams and departments within the agency
• 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
• Maintain a positive attitude and demeanor in all situations
• 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.