Employment Services Specialist-CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION-New Haven

Employment Services Specialist (ESS)

Job Summary:

The Employment Services Specialist (ESS) plays an integral role in supporting the economic stability and security of individuals who are transitioning out of its Hillside Emergency Family Shelter (HFS) and New Higher Opportunities, Purpose and Expectations (HOPE) Housing Program. In close collaboration with colleagues, the ESS will support a range of participants as they increase their employment readiness and income through workshops and training, group employment sessions, and connections to collaborating job development programs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

PROGRAMMATIC MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Assess job readiness, literacy, and numeracy of participating individuals;
• Assist in the development of the Family Action Plan for participants in collaboration with the Family Coaches (FC’s) from CCA’s HFS and/or New HOPE programs, using the Person-Centered and Motivational Interviewing approach;
• Connect individuals with; community partners for additional employment or educational services;
• Coordinate bi-monthly employment readiness workshops on topics such as: resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, job search techniques, and computer skills;
• Utilize the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System, (CASAS) to identify literacy and numeracy needs and help individuals achieve individual learning goals with the use of on-line, Khan Academy classes;
• Recommend job-training and skills necessary for successful job placement/employment;
• Work with CCA program staff to identify potential career pathways/ladders for participants;
• Research local employment trends in the job market and growing technical fields;
• Recommend employment related events such as attendance at job fairs or off-site trainings;
• Provide follow up services to individuals up to a year after they move into permanent housing.

Staff Collaboration and Interdependence

• Participate in Service Delivery Improvement Initiative (SDII)-related client-driven goal planning meetings as an internal partner;
• Participate in regular case conferencing with the Family Coaches within CCA’s Hillside Emergency Family Shelter and New HOPE Program to review participants’ progress, get feedback from team members, and receive future service delivery;
• Work collaboratively with the Family Coaches with CCA”’s Hillside Emergency Family Shelter and New HOPE Program to be more effective in eliminating participant barriers and to exceed all stated outcomes including recruitment, training, job placement, advancement, attainment of support services and benefits, and retention milestones;
• Attend all staff training sessions and meetings as required;
• Work with interns and volunteers on an ongoing basis to expand service capacity and delivery
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing and Person-centered Practice in group facilitation;
• Provide group-based assistance with effective resume development, job searching techniques, interview preparation, and appropriate techniques for follow up and employer engagement.

Build Relationships with Community Partners

• Develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of partners such as Regional Workforce Alliance, New Haven Works, ConnCAT, Gateway Community College, Adult Education, and other community-based organizations and local employment agencies;
• Identify opportunities for participants who are, potentially hard-to-place, because of a criminal history, disability, or significant gap(s) in employment or education;
• Provide supportive follow-up with individuals after referral for services or employment;
• Connect individuals to conflict mediation services when conflicts arise that may threaten employment stability.

PROGRAM EVALUATION & STRATEGY

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all cases and services provided on the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Complete monthly written reports summarizing job development and placement activities
• Seek on-going ways to increase knowledge and improve work performance
• Perform all other duties as assigned

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social work, human services, or a related field
• Experience working with particular target populations, including persons experiencing homelessness and individuals who were formerly incarcerated
• Demonstrated success working with diverse populations in low-income neighborhoods
• Ability to resolve conflict effectively and solve problems in immediate crisis or conflicts
• Ability to coach individuals to develop professional resume-writing and interview skills
• Demonstrated success developing and managing strategic partnerships
• Ability to build client rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
• Experience with conducting trainings or facilitating groups
• Ability to work cooperatively with a team
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in using computer programs, such as Microsoft office and Google suites
• Willingness to comply with all CCA policies and procedures
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including some evenings and weekends
• Reliable daily transportation
• 3 years of direct experience working in the area of workforce development
• Experience with public speaking
• Training as a professional coach
• Training in Motivational Interviewing and Person-Centered Practice
• Knowledge of what is required for advancement within labor markets and an understanding of the local business climate
• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Strong business and entrepreneurial sense

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Increase in employability of heads of households in CCA housing programs
• Increase in heads of households’ successful connections to community resources
• Increase in heads of households’ earned income
• Increase in participation of Job Club
• Increase in family’s access to personal advocacy for their children or themselves in school and health settings
• Screen 100% of the heads of households entering CCA’s housing programs for job readiness by assessing literacy and numeracy skills
• Success in connecting heads of households to educational programs as requested

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $45,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
For all CCA staff, and as an organization, the practice is to abide by CDC Guidelines.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New Haven, CT 06519: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Workforce development: 5 years (Preferred)
• Case management: 4 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

 

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