Employment Specialist

About the role

The Employment Specialist provides case coordination and employment services for participants in HOPICS family programs. The role involves collecting and assessing client information, administering employment readiness assessments, assisting with job placement, and maintaining client records.

Responsibilities

• Collect, interview, and assess client information regarding education, employment experience, skills, interests, qualifications, and personal information.
• Administer Employment Readiness Assessment to gather information about client readiness for employment and refer clients to appropriate employment opportunities.
• Aid clients in identifying career options and providing job placement assistance.
• Link clients with local Work Source Centers and assist with job applications and resumes.
• Initiate and promote job placements for HOPICS clients by contacting potential employers and driving clients to interviews.
• Establish rapport with clients and employers to facilitate successful employment outcomes.
• Meet with employees/employers to discuss performance and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Oversee the Transitional Service Employee program and staff.
• Develop and maintain industry-specific data on employers, labor market trends, placements, program outcomes, and job openings/leads.
• Coordinate and implement referrals and linkage systems with internal programs and other agencies.
• Provide Quality Assurance to ensure orderly and updated files (paper and electronic).
• Communicate and coordinate with community agencies for client services.
• Supervise client progress and provide follow-up services up to 6 months after exiting the program.
• Outreach and develop relationships with other agencies that can benefit clients.
• Track agency compliance with performance targets.
• Plan and host at least three job fairs per fiscal year.
• Represent HOPICS in the community and attend required trainings.
• Enter case notes into CHAMP and HMIS within 48 hours of client encounter.
• Submit weekly reports on referrals and placements every Friday.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Social Services or similar field from an accredited or state-approved college or university, with at least two years of job-related experience working with homeless individuals and families, or five years of experience in social service fields, including case management and homeless program experience.
• Three years of being drug and alcohol-free if in recovery.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs.
• Working knowledge of resource development, case management, and documentation.
• Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish (read, write, and speak).
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance.
• Reliable transportation.
• Experience with DCFS and placing homeless families into permanent housing.
• Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Social Services or similar field from an accredited or state-approved college or university, with at least two years of job-related experience working with homeless individuals and families, or five years of experience in social service fields, including case management and homeless program experience.
• Three years of being drug and alcohol-free if in recovery.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs.
• Working knowledge of resource development, case management, and documentation.
• Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish (read, write, and speak).
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance.
• Reliable transportation.
• Experience with DCFS and placing homeless families into permanent housing.
• Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement.

Skills

• Resource Development
• Case Management
• Documentation
• Client Engagement
• Employment Services
• Job Placement Assistance
• Networking
• Performance Improvement
• Quality Assurance
• Client Follow-Up
• Community Outreach
• Job Fair Coordination
• Training Support
• File Maintenance
• Compliance Monitoring
• Behavioral Contract Management
• Termination Form Processing
• Progress Note Documentation

Benefits

Special Service for Groups offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Pay

TBD

Schedule

N/A