Direct Service Worker, Employment Specialist

LSS of South Dakota•Sioux Falls, SD

11d•Onsite

About The Position

LSS Center for New Americans seeks a Direct Service Worker to assist New Americans in securing employment. The role supports clients throughout the employment search and retention process, helps them access community resources, and contributes to youth and family engagement and community integration in Sioux Falls. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work. It is hourly and non-exempt. The work is based at 300 E 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, and requires travel throughout the Sioux Falls area, with mileage reimbursement.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, plus one to two years of related experience; an equivalent combination of some higher education and experience is accepted.
Basic computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Adobe, Salesforce, and Excel.
Ability to operate general office equipment, including a phone, fax machine, copy machine, and PC.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Willingness to submit to record checks for criminal convictions involving behavior harmful toward children, spousal abuse, drug distribution, or sex crimes.
Valid auto insurance and a valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one with approved driver status.
Willingness and ability to travel within the community to meet with families, attend meetings, and coordinate services; travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills are strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist New Americans in searching for, applying for, obtaining, and retaining employment aligned with their skills, experience, education, and career goals.
Conduct client intake and assessments to identify employment needs and establish short- and long-term goals.
Help clients develop resumes and cover letters, complete job applications, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job search process.
Provide mock interviews and coaching on interview etiquette, communication, and effective interview techniques.
Train and support clients in computer use, online job searches, applications, and other employment-related technology.
Help clients navigate community resources and services that support employment, self-sufficiency, and community integration.
Provide logistical support to help newly arrived individuals obtain important documents and access necessary services.
Communicate professionally and confidentially with clients; maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records.
Complete required paperwork and ensure documents, receipts, and client records are scanned, uploaded, and maintained properly.
Travel throughout the Sioux Falls area to meet client and program needs.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, resource partners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders.
Establish and maintain engagement opportunities 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 inclusive activities and events for youth and families.
Help ensure youth programs respond to the needs of Sioux Falls’ diverse communities, particularly people and families who arrived in the United States within the past five years.
Support newly arrived youth in building peer connections and integrating into established communities.
Maintain knowledge of community resources and services for youth and families and make appropriate referrals.
Help youth and families access information and resources related to post-secondary education, GED programs, alternative high school options, extracurricular activities, summer school, employment, and other educational and social supports.
Encourage youth to pursue opportunities that support their educational, employment, personal, and social goals.