EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - HOUSING

General Description

The Employment Specialist supports individuals experiencing homelessness or transitioning into permanent housing by helping them achieve employment and income stability. This role provides individualized job readiness coaching, employment placement assistance, employer engagement, and ongoing retention support. The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with case managers, housing staff, community partners, and employers to help participants overcome barriers to employment and build long-term self-sufficiency. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma-informed care environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Support & Career Development
• Conduct vocational assessments and identify participant strengths, interests, skills, and employment barriers.
• Develop individualized employment plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Provide job readiness training, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace communication, and job search strategies.
• Aid participants in obtaining employment-related documents such as identification, Social Security cards, work permits, and professional certifications.
• Offer ongoing coaching and encouragement to help participants maintain motivation and employment progress.
• Employment Placement & Employer Relations
• Develop relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, training providers, and workforce development organizations.
• Match participants with appropriate job opportunities based on skills, interests, and readiness.
• Cook up interviews, hiring events, and job fairs.
• Advocate with employers on behalf of participants when appropriate.
• Maintain track of participant employment retention and provide follow-up support after placement.
• Case Coordination & Documentation
• Collaborate closely with housing case managers, behavioral health providers, and external partners to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in agency databases and case management systems.
• Track employment outcomes, participant progress, and program performance metrics.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and program planning activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Support participants experiencing barriers related to housing instability, transportation, criminal justice involvement, mental health, substance use recovery, or gaps in employment history.
• Aid clients in accessing supportive services, training programs, clothing resources, transportation assistance, and public benefits.
• May require travel to shelters, housing sites, workforce centers, and employer locations.
• Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches in all interactions.
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings.
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse

Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Workforce Development, or related field preferred.
• Motivational Interviewing or Trauma-Informed Care training.
• Experience:
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, behavioral health challenges, or housing instability.
• Experience with supported employment models, workforce programs, or housing-first programs.
• Knowledge of workforce development practices, employment resources, and job placement strategies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and community resources.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a trauma-informed environment.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

Note

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory directions and perform other related duties as required.

Top Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives