Description
Department: Programs
Hours per week: 40/Full Time
Reports directly to: The Assistant Director and indirectly to the Director and Corporate
Job Summary:
The Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) shall act as a liaison between residential clients and assigned Case Manager. Responsible for assisting residents gain employment and ensuring contract compliance with the Statement of Work.
Education and Qualifications:
The minimum experience for the position of the Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) will be one year of work experience in guidance, counseling, or job placement. Work experience may be substituted with a specialized degree or certification in the field of guidance, counseling, or career development. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, social security card issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration, and be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or other person lawfully admitted into the United States. Must pass federal background check.
Skills and Specifications:
• Problem solving, planning and prioritizing
• Detail oriented
• Customer Service
• Communication skills – written and verbal
• Operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to meet established deadlines
• Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Requirements
The Employment Placement Specialist shall assume the following job responsibilities:
• Conduct meetings with individual residents and group meetings, as needed, to identify resident employment needs.
• IPP
• Job placement resources both in the RRC and in the community, to include the Department of Labor’s One-Stop System, consistent with current labor market trends.
• Employment information assistance using computer-based technology and resources which include career assistance software and on-line resources (e.g., Internet, America’s Career Info Net). The EPS will have direct access to the Internet to meet this requirement.
• Portfolio development, resume writing, proper dress, and interview techniques training.
• Individual and group counseling, case management, and post-release follow-up relative to employment within the community, to include the area where the resident plans to live following release.
• Bi-weekly status report if necessary.
• Employment job fairs either on-site or in partnership with other organizations, such as community colleges to maximize job retention, every effort should be made to match a resident's skill levels to an actual job placement. For example, an experienced heavy equipment operator may not be appropriately employed as a short order cook at minimum wage.
• Establish “Job Search Ready” date for each resident. Generate appropriate documentation and distribute to each resident’s Case Manager.
• Refer residents to available and appropriate employment.
• Receive and review employment contact sheets and randomly verify the contained information.
• Legal status notification to resident employer.
• Develop plan and IPP progress notes regarding residents’ efforts to obtain a job if one isn’t obtained within 30 days of arrival.
• Act as liaison to the Employment Development Department and State Department of Rehabilitation.
• Verify employer notification of status known requirement.
• Provide pre-employment training and counseling in interview for employment, completing employment applications and preparing a resume.
• Make referrals to the Department of Rehabilitation, as appropriate.
• Develop a file of community employment resources to assist residents.
• Conduct new/current job site visits within an appropriate time.
• Perform contract required telephonic contacts with the resident’s employment supervisor to substantiate attendance and discuss any problem.
• Perform contract required telephonic contacts with the resident on the job.
• Counsel residents on their personal appearance while job searching.
• Maintain a log of all residents’ employment status.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Local travel may be required.
• Complete all annual training required by contract.
• Complies with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Reports any violation of company policy, employee handbook Standards of Conduct, etc.…
• Assume and complete other duties as assigned.
“Working Alternatives, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.”
Skills Required
- Minimum one year work experience in guidance, counseling, or job placement (or equivalent specialized degree/certification)
- Specialized degree or certification in guidance, counseling, or career development (may substitute for experience)
- Valid driver's license
- Clean driving record
- Social Security card issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other person lawfully admitted into the United States
- Must pass federal background check
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and internet-based resources
- Skills: problem solving, planning and prioritizing, detail oriented, customer service, written and verbal communication
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel locally as needed
What We Do
Working Alternatives, Inc. is a community-based residential re-entry center that provides transitional housing services to federal inmates and probationers. Its mission is to blend public safety efforts and residential re-entry services to promote community well-being. The organization focuses on reducing recidivism through structured reintegration programs, offering case management, employment placement, and community connection services across facilities in California and Arizona.
