Bilingual Employment Specialist

Interfaith Works • Rockville, MD

10d • $52,000 - $62,500

About The Position

The Vocational Services Program at Interfaith Works equips people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income residents of Montgomery County to achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment, while meeting the needs of employers by providing qualified, dependable employees looking to build long-term careers. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Vocational Counselor to join our team.
The work we do changes people's lives. Getting a job can have a powerful ripple effect that starts with the individual and expands to their family, their community, contributes to the local economy, and can reduce dependence on social services. Our approach is based on always putting our clients first while simultaneously coaching them through a job search process that is disciplined, focused, and requires client engagement and accountability. We believe in the work that we do and are seeking a qualified and dedicated candidate who wants to contribute to our mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of one year's experience working with low-income populations, or with those experiencing homelessness, is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills.
• Valid driver's license and safe and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office365 (Word, Excel and Outlook), with experience using virtual meeting tools, such as Zoom or Teams.
• Effective organizational skills in documentation, service planning, and follow-up.
• Comfortable using the database, Dynamics 365, to record clients' progress.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in preparing effective resumes and cover letters is preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a high-functioning team; creative problem-solving, and capacity to multitask and prioritize.
• Knowledge of supported employment programs for clients with co-occurring disorders, mental illness or other lifelong disabilities is a plus.
• Knowledge of the DC Metropolitan Area labor market and familiarity with local industries and sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead clients through a structured, targeted job search process, providing individualized counseling, coaching, and skill‑building.
• Conduct vocational and skills assessments for program participants.
• Deliver job‑readiness training, including resume preparation, interviewing practice, and application support.
• Provide ongoing encouragement and support to promote accountability and confidence throughout the job search.
• Build and maintain relationships with area employers to generate job leads.
• Identify free or low‑cost training and education opportunities that support client career goals.
• Support clients with employment retention strategies after job placement.
• Collaborate with case managers, therapists, and other service providers to ensure coordinated client support.

Benefits

• Interfaith Works offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees.
• Employees receive 14 paid holidays and 21 days of PTO.
• Benefits for full-time employees, those who work 30 hours per week or more, include access to subsidized medical, dental, and vision costs for employees and their families; employer paid long-term disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance.
• Employees have the option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable, including short-term disability insurance, critical illness insurance, and more.
• All employees regardless of full or part time status have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to them.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level