Specialist – Mobile Employment, Field Based

About the role

The Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) seeks a full-time Specialist - Mobile Employment to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based employment services to women and gender diverse individuals who are currently or formerly unhoused. This role supports participants in achieving their educational and employment goals through job readiness, employment search, and placement. The Specialist evaluates individuals' backgrounds, skills, and interests, matches them with job openings or training programs, and coaches them for interviews and workforce entry. This position also involves employer engagement, job development, and delivering DWC’s Career Series.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive employment services.
• Conduct 1:1 job readiness activities, including resume-building, practice interviews, job applications, computer tutorials, cover letters, reference lists, and job search guidance.
• Provide in-home and field-based services to accommodate individuals residing in Los Angeles County.
• Recruit participants, conduct orientations, schedule programming, and provide support across agency programs to assist with vocational and educational attainment.
• Support participants in developing employment-related goals and identifying professional development opportunities.
• Provide ongoing support in job search and development of job-related skills.
• Provide effective crisis intervention in consultation with program staff and supervisor.
• Utilize Evidence Based Practices such as Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Critical Time Intervention.
• Engage prospective employers through networking, telemarketing, cold calling, or setting up appointments.
• Maintain working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies to source job openings and secure employment and vocational training opportunities.
• Conduct career readiness series to prepare individuals for employment.
• Coordinate tours for participants, referral agencies, and prospective employers.
• Support DWC’s Learning Center and coordinate with volunteers and peer leaders.
• Provide event coordination support as needed.
• Facilitate Job Preparation classes and other seminars as assigned.
• Maintain up-to-date referral resources for participants.
• Provide employment and educational resources to program staff and participants.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of activities, case management notes, and services provided.
• Attend trainings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, and regular one-on-one supervision.
• Track outcomes and monitor progress towards program goals.
• Provide regular, timely written reports to supervisor as assigned.
• Serve as an ambassador of DWC and its mission and values by participating in community meetings/events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience providing services in the role of mentor, counselor, case manager, or similar position preferred.
• Knowledge of the complex barriers surrounding women’s homelessness and unemployment.
• Experience working with issues of homelessness, trauma, and mental health preferred.
• Strong administrative skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.
• Oral and written fluency in English required; Spanish a plus.
• Excellent active listening and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise and model good judgment.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, including balancing direct service responsibilities with effective record keeping.
• Ability to be flexible with hours when needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the complex barriers surrounding women’s homelessness and cultural humility.
• Understanding of communities disproportionately represented in the homeless population (communities of color, LGBTQ+, etc.).
• Compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations around confidentiality and mandated-reporting.
• Professional attitude; team- and service-oriented, friendly, and positive.
• Current valid California state driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle with a good driving record required.
• Must be a CA resident and live no more than 80 miles from DWC; must be available for in-person meetings at DWC.
• Must provide documentation of a negative TB test result within the last twelve months on the first day of hire.
• Background check required.

Work Environment

Downtown Women’s Center operates several program and administrative locations in the Skid Row neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. The primary hub is located on San Pedro Street (SP) and includes participant-facing services, staff offices, and Permanent Supportive Housing units. Programs at the SP site include the Day Center, Women’s Health Clinic, kitchen and meal services, Trauma Recovery Center, supportive service offices, and housing units. Employees may be expected to attend trainings, meetings, or other work-related activities at the San Pedro (SP) location. Parking near the SP Access Center is limited, and employees should plan for offsite parking with a short walk to the site.

This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequent walking to and from various locations, including shelters, encampments, community partner sites, and program facilities.
• Must be able to lift files, open filing cabinets, squat, climb stairs, reach, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.
• Occasional lifting of outreach supplies or materials (up to 25 pounds) may be required.

Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Some evening or weekend hours may be required based on program needs.

This position is primarily field-based, with travel throughout Los Angeles County required. Work may involve participant homes or community settings, with an expectation to work on-site at various DWC locations as scheduled. The expectation is to work either in the field or the office at least four days per week, with in-person meetings and trainings as scheduled.

Pay

Pay range: $28.98–$29.22/hourly.

Additional Information

Work authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. DWC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B.

Downtown Women’s Center will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. A background check is required after a conditional job offer is made.