Responsibilities
Reporting to the Program Director of UPWARDS Employment Services, the Career Development Specialist develops and sustains a portfolio of competitive job placements in business and the community and partners with mental health clients to assist them in obtaining competitive employment.
- Develops and sustains internships and competitive job placements in business, industry, and the community and assesses clients for job fit. Maintains on-going contact with employers.
- Works with employers and organizations to customize jobs that meet the employers' needs and capitalize on the skills and talents of individual clients.
- Works closely with employers to guarantee their satisfaction with the UPwards Employment Program.
- Works closely with case managers and other Urban Pathways staff to recruit and enroll participants who meet eligibility requirements for the Program.
- Works with clients to assess and develop employment plans that match clients’ interests, aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and previous work experience and career goals.
- Ensures that clients participating in the Program meet basic standards of program compliance.
- Provides ongoing support to clients.
- Develops employment training curriculum, conducts workshops and work-related individual/group discussions.
- Enters progress notes after each client meeting within 48 hours and/or as mandated by the Program.
- Completes Intake/Admission documentation within 24 hours of client admission, as mandated by the Program.
- Documents assessments in client records within required timeframe (not applicable for Outreach Program).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree; MSW or MA in closely related field.
- Minimum of 2 years’ of experience creating and sustaining relationships with employers in job development required.
- Training experience preferred.
- Experience with homeless, mentally-ill and substance abuse population preferred.
- Experience with human services a plus.
- Experience with developing and facilitating employment and psycho-educational groups.
- Knowledge of relevant job markets and establishment of job contacts.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook etc.)
- Foreign languages a plus.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree; MSW or MA in a closely related field
- At least 2 years of experience creating and sustaining employer relationships for job development
- Experience developing and facilitating employment and psycho-educational groups
- Knowledge of relevant job markets and ability to establish job contacts
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Training experience
- Experience working with homeless, mentally ill, and substance abuse populations
- Experience in human services
- Foreign language proficiency
What We Do
We envision a New York of thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home. Since 1975, Urban Pathways has remained committed to addressing the complex challenges of homelessness and housing insecurity in New York City. Rooted in compassion and driven by a desire for positive change, our team provides thousands of people annually with secure housing, complemented by pioneering and holistic support programs. With a focus on empowerment and collaboration, we envision a future where every person has access to safe, affordable housing and the resources they need to thrive. Within our continuum of care, which ranges from Outreach to Permanent Supportive Housing, we meet each person where they are and walk alongside them on their pathway home.
