Employment Services Specialist

About the Role

The Employment Services Specialist prepares TANF-eligible youth and adults, accessing services at various Cornerstones sites, for successful entry, re-entry, and promotion in the workforce. This role requires a flexible, independent, high-energy individual with strong clinical, interpersonal, and motivational skills. The specialist must possess a patient, trauma-informed approach to service delivery using an equity lens to ensure employment services are equitable and aligned with the Agency Mission, Vision, and Values. A candidate bilingual in English/Spanish and with lived experience of housing instability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide flexible shift coverage (generally 9-5, 12-8, and/or Saturdays) for program participants needing daytime, evening, or weekend employment services.
• Conduct intakes and skills assessments using tools like Career Scope to evaluate individual interests and abilities.
• Facilitate group and individual sessions, including resume writing, job search strategies, interviewing techniques, and employment counseling.
• Develop strengths-based Employment/Education plans and assist with resume development, online job applications, and cover letters.
• Network with community agencies and employers to promote and develop employment and on-the-job training opportunities, providing solid job leads.
• Collect and maintain case file data, including weekly case notes for assigned case managers, and document changes in employment status and income through follow-up calls.
• Identify and assist in developing auxiliary services to help applicants achieve job-ready status.
• Provide transportation to job fairs using Cornerstones’ vehicle.
• Participate in weekly team meetings with case management and community-based staff to provide employment services updates.
• Maintain and update case data, goal attainment, and outcomes using Apricot 360 and hard copy files, ensuring compliance with TANF contract requirements.
• Support agency-wide programs and activities as requested and within capacity.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the agency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field or commensurate experience providing employment services to low-income populations. Master’s degree preferred.
• National Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification or willingness to obtain.
• Two years of progressive workforce development experience, including supervisory experience.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals, including those with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities.
• Ability to provide strengths-based services, trauma-informed care, and apply a racial equity lens.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency in using Apricot 360 for case records and data collection.
• Ability to manage workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds and stand for long periods.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record; ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is performed within shelters and in the field at assigned work sites.

About Cornerstones

Cornerstones envisions an equitable, connected community where all individuals and families thrive. Employees commit to values including serving and leading with passion for the mission, acting with integrity, championing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, collaborating and innovating for impact, and equipping and empowering for success.