Case Manager/Employment Specialist

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. (VRSI)•Fresno, CA

7d•$22 - $27

About The Position

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. (VRSI) is hiring a Case Manager/Employment Specialist for its Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP). Based in Fresno, California, this full-time role reports to the Lead Employment Specialist and helps veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness find and retain employment. The specialist supports veterans throughout the process, from first contact and eligibility screening through job readiness, training, placement, and follow-up, while connecting them with supportive services. The program aims to help participants secure stable, livable-wage jobs in in-demand occupations. The position combines case management, employment and career counseling, job-readiness instruction, employer engagement, program reporting, community collaboration, and in-person outreach. Work is split between the office and field settings and includes regular travel to VRSI offices in Bakersfield and Stockton, as well as local outreach sites, partner agencies, employers, and community events. Occasional evening or weekend outreach is required. Fieldwork may take place outdoors and in unsheltered settings, including streets and encampments. The work can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding. The role requires reliable transportation and use of a personal vehicle for regular work-related travel; mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate, and travel time between work locations is paid. Physical demands include regular sitting, computer use, talking, and listening; periodic standing, walking, bending, and reaching; and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered instead of a degree.
At least 2 years of experience in workforce development, employment services, or a related field.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and use of a personal vehicle for regular travel between offices and field sites.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with groups and employers.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a caseload and deadlines.
Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and work as part of a team while building relationships with clients, employers, and community partners.
Proficiency with job-search platforms, career-assessment tools, case-management databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Empathetic, veteran-centered approach and willingness to learn and apply best practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with veterans or homeless populations.
Strong understanding of challenges faced by homeless veterans, including the needs of women veterans and justice-involved veterans.
Experience in job development, employer relations, or case management.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, business, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assess veterans’ skills, work histories, interests, and barriers to finding or retaining employment.
Develop and update individualized employment plans with career goals, action steps, and timelines.
Meet federal grant goals for veterans assessed, enrolled, placed in jobs, and retained after placement.
Determine whether interested veterans meet program eligibility requirements and enroll eligible participants.
Teach resume writing, job-search strategies, interview preparation, and professional conduct.
Plan and lead job-readiness workshops and group training sessions.
Provide individual career counseling and information about local employment and training opportunities.
Follow up with veterans regularly and refer them to relevant job-training programs, tracking their progress.
Build relationships with local employers and identify suitable job opportunities for veterans.
Help veterans apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and negotiate pay and job terms.
Maintain contact with veterans after hiring and help address issues that could threaten job retention.
Understand employers’ hiring needs and explain the benefits of hiring veterans, including available tax credits.
Attend job fairs, employer panels, and networking events to connect veterans and employers.
Maintain accurate, current, and confidential client records, case notes, and job-outcome information.
Prepare and submit regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and grant requirements.
Coordinate services and referrals with community partners, veteran service organizations, housing providers, employers, and other organizations.
Connect veterans with support services such as housing, transportation, mental health and substance-use treatment, and legal aid.
Represent VRSI at community meetings, veteran groups, job fairs, homeless-veteran outreach events, and similar activities.
Identify gaps in community services and advocate for improved support for veterans.
Conduct regular in-person outreach at partner sites, shelters, encampments, and other locations where veterans may be found.
Travel between offices and to field locations using a personal vehicle.