Employment Specialist

The primary function of this position is to establish the employer and community linkages essential to the development of employment opportunities for clients. This position reports to the Workforce Development Coordinator at the site.

Responsibilities:

• Meets individually with all clients assigned on caseload for employment search assistance on a weekly basis.
• Assists clients with collecting work history, marketable skills, and interest for employment search.
• Creates an Employment Development Plan with clients identifying areas of interest, as well as target vocational areas.
• Assists client with creating a professional resume and cover letter, as well as helping create a master application to use as a reference when completing applications for employment.
• Identifies employment opportunities and employer contacts.
• Contacts new employers on a weekly basis to explore new relationships and employment opportunities for the clients.
• Facilitates workshops such as resume preparation and interviewing and conducts mock interviews with clients to help develop interview skills.
• Meets wage and placement goals as set up by supervisor.
• Documents all client progress in the case note section of the client file and/or on various workforce forms in the client file.
• Obtains Employment Verification Letter (EVL) and/or pay stub within first two weeks of employment.
• Assists Workforce Coordinator with meetings or conducts meetings independently with employment partners to present the organizations programs and to secure job openings.
• Assists with securing interviews for clients based on information obtained during the client/Employment Specialist meeting.
• Maintains a database of local area employers.
• Contacts database employers at a minimum of once per month, to secure job openings for clients and to maintain employer relationship.
• Assists Workforce Coordinator with creating presentations of clients employment backgrounds to prospective employers.
• Completes all required reports, and handles special projects as assigned by the Workforce Coordinator
• Attends local chamber meetings, job fairs, and other pertinent meetings and events.
• Assists with daily operations of the Career Center.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Social Services or related field required. A minimum of 2 years of experience may substitute for degree requirements.
• A minimum of one year of previous job development experience, preferably in a government-funded or for-profit staffing environment.
• Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred.
• Experience in dealing with clients possessing multiple barriers to employment preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to present to groups
• Professional manner and appearance.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community members.
• Must be a highly motivated self -tarter who is organized and detail oriented.
• Computer proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet.
• Driver license with no violations on driving record for past 3 years and own registered and insured transportation required. Company vehicle will be available for any transporting of clients.

United States Veterans Initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.