Employment Specialist

The primary function of this position is to establish the employer and community linkages essential to the development of employment opportunities for clients. This position reports to the Workforce Development Coordinator at the site. FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Responsibilities Meets individually with all clients assigned on caseload for employment search assistance on a weekly basisAssists clients with collecting work history, marketable skills, and interest for employment searchCreates an Employment Development Plan with clients identifying areas of interest, as well as target vocational areasAssists client with creating a professional resume and cover letter, as well as helping create a master application to use as a reference when completing applications for employment. Identifies employment opportunities and employer contactsContacts “new” employers on a weekly basis to explore new relationships and employment opportunities for the clientsFacilitates workshops such as resume preparation and interviewing and conducts “mock interviews” with clients to help develop interview skillsMeets wage and placement goals as set up by supervisorDocuments all client progress in the case note section of the client file and/or on various workforce forms in the client fileObtains Employment Verification Letter (EVL) and/or pay stub within first two weeks of employment Assists Workforce Coordinator with meetings or conducts meetings independently with employment partners to present the organization’s programs and to secure job openingsAssists with securing interviews for clients based on information obtained during the client/Employment Specialist meetingMaintains a database of local area employersContacts database employers at a minimum of once per month, to secure job openings for clients and to maintain employer relationshipAssists Workforce Coordinator with creating presentations of clients’ employment backgrounds to prospective employersCompletes all required reports, and manages special projects as assigned by the Workforce CoordinatorAttends local chamber meetings, job fairs, and other pertinent meetings and eventsAssists with daily operations of the Career CenterPerform other duties as assigned Qualifications Requirements Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Social Services, or related field required A minimum of 2 years of experience may substitute for degree requirementsA minimum of one year of previous job development experience, preferably in a government-funded or for-profit staffing environment Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferredExperience in dealing with clients possessing multiple barriers to employment preferredStrong written and oral communication skills with ability to present to groupsProfessional manner and appearanceAbility to work independently and within a teamAbility to take directionAbility to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community members Must be a highly motivated self -tarter who is organized and detail oriented Computer proficient in Microsoft Office and InternetValid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course