Employment Specialist

Job Description

Supervisor: Program Manager 

Program Area:  Youth Transitional Housing

Department: Homeless Intervention Services 

Employment Specialist - Part-time Youth Temporary Housing Program (YTH)

SUMMARY

Employee is responsible for providing job readiness, coaching and placement support and assistance to persons, specifically those ages 18 -24 served by KBEC’s youth transitional living program and are seeking employment as a part of their housing plan. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required as other duties may be assigned.

Work in collaboration with Program Managers and employees to ensure the appropriate and successful readiness and placement of clients into job training, education and/or employment opportunities.  Includes job development activities whereby the specialist will work with employers in the community to develop jobs for persons, assessment of skills, identify, develop and implement work adjustments in the workplace to provide accommodations to promote successful employment for the youth.

Assist in the implementation of Employment services

• Complete an employment profile that reflects the interests, skills, and support needs of persons seeking employment;
• Assist in updating all participants' resumes to the KBEC TEC Program standard. 
• Identify job openings in the community including customized employment opportunities that match the persons' preferences, skills and abilities;
• Conduct a systematic study of work environments including job duty analyses and task analyses, by interviewing and observing coworkers and supervisors in the workplace;
• Works directly with the clients individually and/or in groups to arrange interviews and facilitate placement into jobs consistent with an person's selected vocational and/or transition goals;
• Provide intensive training including systematic instruction on job readiness requirements as well as work-related and social skills as well as adaptive life skills.
• Provide ongoing, on-site employment assistance as well as off-site support including training in accepting and responding to supervision.
• Work with participants/clients to understand the positive impact of employment on an person's quality of life;
• Conduct mock interviews in house or with other stakeholders to best prepare participants for future employment. 
• Coordinate student support such as assistance in reaching employment outcomes;
• Create lesson plans for in class implementation with approval for Program Manager.
• Submit weekly case notes for Program Managers review on the progress of each participant to include documenting interactions and service linkages.
• Facilitate the implementation of Work Adjustment/Pre-Vocational training and workshops;
• Maintain required documentation and reports related to the program services and persons participating in the KBECs Employment Program to include the Person Work Plan (IWP), Housing Plans and/or transition plan, job development and job placement reports and monthly progress reports to include record of placement, proof of employment and income.
  
• Maintain all required documentation in accordance with Program Manager, Maryland, and District of Columbia standards using the internal computer data system and other approved online systems.
• Ensure the completion of all required training for self and persons
• All other duties as assigned that support the goals and objectives of the program.
  

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Not Applicable.  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS  (Required to perform essential functions)

The minimum requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job.  Related experience may be substituted for
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degrees.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Degree with a minimum of 4 years related and specialized experience in the field of supported employment/vocational training; demonstrated knowledge of an Individualized Work Plan (IWP),  job development/placement experience and/or experience with educational plans; 
• Associate’s Degree or 2 years of college courses in the social services or related field with 2 years related experience in a vocational, supported employment program; knowledge of IWP, job development/placement experience and/or experience with services plans; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in the social services or related field with up to one year related experience in a vocational, supported employment program; knowledge of IWP, job development/placement experience and/or experience with services plans
• ACRE Trained and Certification is preferred and may be required as a part of continued employment with the agency.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Demonstrates the ability to read and comprehend common business documents
• Communicates effectively with the business community using business language both orally and through business correspondence and memorandums
• Responds to routine inquiries or concerns from persons with disabilities, their family members, and project personnel; 
• Demonstrates effective written communication including draft correspondence, reports and other materials that conform to prescribed style and format. 
• Communicates orally and in written form to provide information to internal/external vendors/clients, staff and management, and maintains professional relationships
•  Follows instructions
• Replies appropriately to business correspondence and memorandums  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Performs basic mathematical calculations to include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division  
• Able to compute rate, ratio, and percentage
• Able to teach persons money management and consumer 

REASONING ABILITY

• Able to define problems; collect data; establish facts; and draw valid conclusions
• Displays understanding of job responsibilities in order to execute supervisor and/or employer directions 
• Carries out detailed written and/or oral instructions  
• Deals independently with concrete problems that occur both in the workplace and in the community when supporting persons with disabilities
• Solicits feedback from supervisor and coworkers to solve problems as necessary
• Communicates all levels of care to supervisor and appropriate persons via telephone, emails, daily log reports, progress reports, letters, memos, etc.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Google Workspace Suite

Salary:  $22 - $23  per hour

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Travel outside of the office environment is required. The employee must have access to a car, be able to operate a company owned vehicle and/or be proficient in traveling using public transportation.