Employment Services Specialist

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Financial Opportunities, this position is responsible for coordinating and implementing the assigned program by supporting program administration, reporting, outreach and recruitment and providing

direct services to participants in their preparation for the workforce.

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive):

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Employment Coaching and Training
• Program Management, Outreach, Evaluation and Growth

• Provide employment coaching to support the participant in reaching economic stability by securing living wage employment.
• Conduct career assessments to determine interest, skill level and training needs.
• In partnership with the participant, establish employment goals and develop an action plan.
• Prepare participant for job search, interviewing and hiring process, including developing a professional resume and conducting mock interviews.
• Monitor participant job retention and maintain open communication to assess continued employment.
• Identify and develop partnerships with local training and education providers.
• Work with community partners and employers to match qualified participants to open employment positions.
• Develop training materials and/or tailor existing materials to meet the needs of participants.
• Provide group-based education on employment topics such as interviewing skills, resume writing, career choices, and job retention.

Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.

Affirmative Action: Responsible to follow affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a Human Services or related field with 3 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Must be able to fulfill departmental objectives using initiative, self-motivation, organizational skills, and sound judgment.
• Must have demonstrated experience providing case management in employment counseling and/or workforce development.
• Experience facilitating adult group training required.
• Experience with trauma informed and/or strengths-based case management or coaching.
• Professional and/or lived experience working with diverse communities and/or households defined as low income.
• Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with a variety of multi-ethnic and socio-economic groups and/or
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including collaborating with a team, working across program areas, disseminating information effectively and conflict resolution.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills. Public speaking skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web-based storage/document creation services (Google
• Knowledge of community resources preferred.

individuals

Drive and Google Docs) and electronic client records management experience.

Core Technology Competency: Level 2 - Intermediate 1

Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is required.

Physical Requirements: Normal physical exertion required.

Mental Requirements: This position requires an awareness of deadlines, the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function independently.

Environmental Requirements: Normal office environment.

Benefits

Department: Financial Opportunity Programs

Salary: $25.20/hr - $28.34/hr or $25.81/hr - $29.05/hr (Bilingual)

Languages Preferred: Spanish, Somali, Hmong

Schedule: M – F, 40 Hours/Week, Some evenings & weekends

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), 14 paid holidays, health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Posting Dates: 08/12/2024 - 8/26/2024

This position will be reposted until filled.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.