Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist

Lutheran Social Service•Sioux Falls, SD

26d•Onsite

About The Position

LSS Center for New Americans seeks a Direct Service Worker to assist new Americans in securing employment. If you enjoy engaging with diverse cultures and have a passion for your community, we invite you to apply! #YouareLSS

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, plus one to two years related experience is required.
Equivalent combination of some higher education and experience.
Basic computer skills of Outlook, Word, Adobe, Salesforce and Excel.
The ability to operate general office equipment (i.e. phone, fax, copy machine, PC) is required.
Must be at least 21 years of age, is required.
Willingness to submit to record checks to detect criminal convictions of behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, distributing drugs or sex crimes.
Requires a valid auto-insurance, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.
Travel is occasionally required to meet with families, attend meetings, and coordinate services within the community. Travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual skills strongly preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist New Americans in searching for, applying for, obtaining, and retaining employment that aligns with their skills, experience, education, and career goals.
Conduct client intake and assessments to identify employment needs and establish short- and long-term goals.
Assist clients with developing resumes and cover letters, completing job applications, preparing for interviews, and navigating the job search process.
Provide mock interviews and coaching on interview etiquette, communication, and effective interview techniques.
Offer training and support with computer use, online job searches, applications, and other employment-related technology.
Assist clients in navigating community resources and services that support employment, self-sufficiency, and successful community integration.
Provide logistical support to help newly arrived individuals obtain important documents and access necessary services.
Maintain professional and confidential communication with clients and maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records.
Complete required paperwork and ensure documents, receipts, and client records are properly scanned, uploaded, and maintained.
Travel throughout the Sioux Falls area to meet client and program needs.
Support the LSS relationship with diverse communities throughout Sioux Falls by developing and maintaining positive relationships with community members, resource partners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
Establish and maintain opportunities for continued engagement with youth, families, business owners, and community organizations to promote information sharing, support, understanding, and trust.
Collaborate with community partners and Center for New Americans staff to plan and implement healthy, inclusive, and engaging activities and events that support youth and families.
Help ensure youth programs are responsive to the needs of Sioux Falls' diverse communities, particularly individuals and families who have arrived in the United States within the past five years.
Support newly arrived youth in developing connections with peers and becoming integrated into established communities.
Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and services available to youth and their families and make appropriate referrals.
Assist youth and families in accessing information and resources related to post-secondary education, GED programs, alternative high school options, extracurricular activities, summer school, employment opportunities, and other educational and social supports.
Encourage youth to identify and pursue opportunities that support their educational, employment, personal, and social goals.