Employment Specialist

Division: HOPICS/Economic Stability Department | FLSA: Non-Exempt – Full Time | Supervisor: Supportive Services Program Manager

About the Role

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Employment Specialist will provide case coordination and employment services for participants enrolled in HOPICS family programs. This role serves as a key bridge between clients and employment opportunities, requiring strong relationship-building skills with both participants and community employers.

Responsibilities

• Client Services & Case Management
  • Administer Employment Readiness Assessments to evaluate client readiness and refer clients to appropriate employment opportunities.
  • Assist clients in identifying career options and provide job placement assistance, including help with job applications and resume preparation.
  • Connect clients with the WorkSource Portal and other relevant community resources.
  • Establish and maintain rapport with clients to support successful achievement of individual and contractual goals.
  • Monitor and reinforce client progress; document noncompliance through termination forms and progress notes as needed.
  • Supervise client progress and provide follow-up services for up to six (6) months following program exit.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and adhere to SSG's Code of Ethics and HOPICS' Core Values.
  • Conduct case conferencing with internal/external partners regarding client progress, follow-up, and exit.
• Employer Outreach & Job Placement
  • Cultivate and maintain an active network of prospective employers to promote the placement of HOPICS clients.
  • Conduct employer outreach via phone, email, and in-person site visits to recruit hiring partners.
  • Travel to various worksites for employer outreach; transport clients to interviews, job fairs, or agencies (e.g., Social Security office, DMV) as needed.
  • Meet with employers to discuss client performance and offer support or improvement strategies when necessary.
  • Develop and maintain current data on employers, labor market trends, placements, program outcomes, and job openings.
  • In compliance with the Deutsch Foundation, plan, coordinate, and co-host a minimum of (4) job fairs per fiscal year.
• Program Oversight & Compliance
  • Work in collaboration with the WorkSource Portal to meet contractual performance targets.
  • Track agency compliance with performance targets and contribute to division-wide goals and outcomes.
  • Assist with coordination and implementation of referral and linkage systems with internal programs and external agencies.
  • Enter case notes into HMIS within 48 hours of client encounter.
  • Facilitate Employment Workshops.
  • Submit weekly reports on referrals and placements every Friday.
  • Provide quality assurance to ensure orderly and updated client files (paper and electronic).
  • Maintain client files in compliance with HIPAA, CFR42, and all applicable funding and auditing requirements.
• Community & Agency Representation
  • Represent HOPICS professionally at community meetings, outreach events, and partner-sponsored activities.
  • Communicate and coordinate with community agencies to connect clients with needed services.
  • Develop working relationships with agencies whose services will benefit clients.
  • Assist with staff trainings and provide support to project partners as needed.
  • Attend all required trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field preferred or three (3) years of directly related experience working with homeless individuals and families or five (5) years of experience in a social service field with case management and homeless program experience.
• If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol free is required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs.
• Knowledge of resource development, case management, and documentation practices.
• Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Bilingual in Spanish (read, write, and speak) — preferred; may be required depending on caseload.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with homeless families and children; DCFS experience and experience placing families into permanent housing a plus.
• Valid California Driver's License, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance required.
• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Clearance required.
• TB test required (no more than 3 months prior to or 7 days after date of hire; renewed annually).
• CPR and First Aid Certification required within 30 days of employment.

Working Conditions

• This position works in client-friendly environments and requires regular visits to shelters, homeless access centers, worksites, and partner agencies.
• Local automobile travel is required.
• The role may involve working in noisy environments where children and adults are present.

Physical Requirements

• Typically spends time sitting, standing, typing, writing, walking, driving, and carrying items up to 25 lbs.
• Requires active listening and communication throughout the workday.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to manage constant distractions, interruptions, and uncontrollable changes in priorities or schedules.
• Must be able to process information quickly, think critically, and conceptualize solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

$24.00 – $28.00 per hour