Employment Specialist

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Employment Specialist works with clients to develop realistic, individualized career goals which accurately reflect the client's professional skills and interests. The Employment Specialist will identify employment opportunities available for clients within the community. He/she will spend time in the field visiting prospective employers and developing employer relationships. He/She will also research and identify interview opportunities for individual clients.
KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Provide individual and group services to adults aimed at assisting them in achieving their educational and career goals
• Maintaining collaborative and compliant documentation that meets DHS and organizational expectations
• Build working relationships with business, community based organizations and agencies to learn of new job openings for clients
• Develop and maintain a wide range of community based resources to provide training, education, and employment opportunities
• Conduct initial assessments of educational and vocational needs to develop a preliminary plan of service in the area of vocational and educational goals
• Evaluate individuals' abilities, interests, and goals using tests, records, interviews, and professional sources
• Maintain a rotating case load of job seeking clients, provide individual counseling, and job readiness workshops
• Ensure all HRA, SSI, and other requirements regarding employability and work readiness are met.
• Complete all paperwork requirements and statistical reporting to ensure program compliance with applicable intergovernmental oversight agencies
• Collaborate with the Retention Specialist to ensure clients are supported after job placements
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and workshops, in order to maintain and improve professional competence

REQUIREMENTS:
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in a job placement
• High School Diploma/GED required
• Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
• Ability to use business acumen to exercise good judgment and decision-making
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
• Has standard work schedule (set hours)
• All work is completed on site.
• Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (Typical of most clerical and administrative positions.
• Sedentary work (equivalent to lifting approximately 10 pounds with occasional lifting and/or carrying of small objects. A minimal amount of walking or standing may be required)
• Frequent and extended sitting and standing as well as visual inspection.
• Seldom bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, lifting and standing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Routine supervision: Provided with instructions on job requirements, methods, priorities and deadlines with particular attention to unusual or difficult aspects or tasks. There are regular or systematic reviews of progress, quality and output,
Acknowledgment of Job Description
This will acknowledge that I have received, reviewed and understand the above job description and will discuss with my supervisor if I have any questions. I further acknowledge that I am capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand and agree that nothing in this job description is binding on ACACIA NETWORK and that ACACIA NETWORK remains free to change the duties and responsibilities of the above described job at any time, without notice, and at its discretion. I further understand and agree that nothing in this job description changes my status as an at-will employee, meaning that either ACACIA NETWORK or I can terminate our employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.