Under the general supervision of the Program Director, the Job Finder/Employment Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to assist program participants with finding, getting, and keeping a job.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Engage program participants and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers. Identify and facilitate ongoing communication with potential employers to facilitate employment opportunities for participants. Provide training and support to program participants in generic (soft) skills required for working. Provide supportive counseling, education, and advocacy for program participants as they access employment-related resources. Conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of Individualized Placement and Support. Assist in coordinating and scheduling job coaching and follow-along assignments at various locations for program participants placed in competitive employment in the community. Develop competitive job opportunities in the community for program participants. Provide job coaching, individual vocational counseling, employment support groups, and follow-along services at and away from job sites. Oversee and assist in implementing employment-related activities which provide counseling and support services to program participants seeking employment to prepare them for engaging in job search en route to obtaining competitive job placements. Assist program participants in obtaining information about how their benefits will be affected by employment in order for participants to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Provide assistance to other program staff regarding employment-related case management assessment, planning, and service provision. Advocate for program participants. Complete and maintain employment reports, progress notes, attendance records, and assessments as required; document activities in electronic or paper records as directed by the Program Director. Participate in program evaluation activities (e.g. administer evaluation instruments; document information; enter information into an electronic information system).

13 Immediately report untoward incidents, allegations of fraud, waste, abuse or neglect, sensitive situations, and observed or suspected violations of information privacy and security policies to the Program Director or Compliance Officer.  

14 Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma or GED and four years’ experience in a social service setting, preferably providing a full continuum of vocational and job development services to individuals with multiple barriers to employment. College credit in a Human Services or other relevant degree program can be substituted for experience on a year for year basis (one year of college = one year of experience) up to three years of experience. Veterans preferred. Experience working with veterans also preferred.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 Knowledge of Individualized Placement and Support principles    Knowledge of regulations and policies that impact employment, particularly involving people with benefits  Knowledge of resources available to veterans to help them get employment  Knowledge of Critical Time intervention principles  Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing techniques  Knowledge of task analysis  Know how to use a computer and software  Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify an employment plan  Ability to teach new skills  Ability to find jobs  Ability to coordinate activities of staff and integrate as part of a multidisciplinary team  Ability to solve problems effectively  Ability to work with culturally diverse veterans, families, and staff in a caring, respectful, and understanding manner  Serve as a role model to veterans  Communicate effectively with staff, veterans, families, and the public  Prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned.  Secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others  Work independently