Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA–Greater New York) is a leading anti-poverty organization serving neighbors in need across New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester. Through 70+ programs, we support over 35,000 adults and children each year, including individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, youth aging out of foster care, veterans, seniors, and children with developmental delays.
Our staff are at the heart of this work, creating meaningful change every day. If you’re passionate about making a difference and joining a mission-driven team, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
Position: Employment Specialist
The Employment Specialist for our YouthBuild Training & Employment Program will play a pivotal role in helping young adults navigate the complexities of the job market and secure meaningful employment opportunities. They will work closely with program participants, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout their job search journey.
Location: New York, NY 10032
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in vocational rehabilitation or related field and three or more years’ experience in workforce development or vocational rehabilitation.
- Strong understanding of the job market, employment trends, and recruitment strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse population.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
- Spanish language fluency and previous experience working with young adults, preferably in career counseling and workforce development, are preferred.
Employment Specialist Principal Responsibilities:
- Conduct Individualized Career Counseling via one-on-one sessions with program participants to assess their skills, interests, and career goals. Develop personalized career plans tailored to each participant’s strengths and aspirations. Guide resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Assist participants in identifying suitable job opportunities aligned with their career objectives. Facilitate connections with employers and coordinate job interviews for program participants. Provide ongoing support during the application and interview process, including mock interviews and feedback sessions.
- Organize and conduct workshops on essential job readiness skills, such as communication, time management, and workplace etiquette. Collaborate with external partners to offer training programs and certifications relevant to participants’ career interests. Monitor participants’ progress and provide additional support resources to enhance their employability.
- Community Outreach and Networking is established with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to create employment opportunities for program participants. Attend job fairs, networking events, and community gatherings to promote the program and expand your network of employers.
- Track and document participants’ progress, including job placements, skill development, and employment outcomes. Collect feedback from participants and stakeholders to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Prepare regular reports and presentations to share program outcomes and achievements with internal stakeholders and funders and identify areas for improvement.
- During the retention period, check in with participants and employers to assess progress and identify any areas where additional support may be needed. This may involve coaching in workplace communication, problem-solving, time management, and other essential skills, conflict resolution, or additional on-the-job training needs.
We are committed to offering our employees an exceptional comprehensive benefits package that supports their health, well-being, and personal growth. Full-time employees enjoy:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
- Prescription Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off, including a Paid Birthday Holiday
And much more!
To learn more about our staff, culture and much more, copy and paste our website link into a browser: https://www.voa-gny.org/our-staff-and-culture/
VOA-Greater New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled/Other Protected Categories. Apply today!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in vocational rehabilitation or a related field
- Three or more years of experience in workforce development or vocational rehabilitation
- Strong understanding of the job market, employment trends, and recruitment strategies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport with diverse populations
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
- Spanish language fluency
- Experience working with young adults, preferably in career counseling and workforce development
What We Do
Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) is an anti-poverty nonprofit serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester County. Through more than 60 programs, it provides emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing, along with health, wealth-building, veterans, disability, youth, and other human services. Its vision is to end homelessness in Greater New York.
