Economic Empowerment Specialist

Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc.•New York, NY

About The Position

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-Greater New York) is an anti-poverty organization working to end homelessness in the New York area by 2050. We operate over 60 programs across New York City, Northern New Jersey and Westchester County including emergency, transitional and permanent housing. Our services extend to families experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, people living with HIV/AIDS, veterans, youth aging out of foster care, adults with behavioral health or substance use needs, and others in need, including a special education preschool program. We are in search of new talent in the following position… Position: Economic Empowerment Specialist The Economic Empowerment Specialist (EES) for the Career Access Program will play a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities by providing personalized service coordination and community outreach. This individual will be responsible for identifying eligible participants for the program, developing and implementing individualized career access plans, and connecting clients to essential resources and benefits. The EES will collaborate with a range of community organizations, agencies, and partners to ensure program participants have the tools they need to succeed in their career and training goals. Career Access program is a community outreach initiative designed to offer vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. Location: Bronx, NY 10455

Requirements

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or 60 college credits and three+ years’ experience in workforce development or vocational rehabilitation, or satisfactory combination of education and experience.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, business writing skills, the ability to work well with others, and prioritize and take initiative.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with participants, develop individualized service plans and provide referrals, vocational counseling, and support services to achieve goals.
Conduct screening for brain injury and concussion and provide psychoeducation, advocacy and support related to diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of brain injury.
Provide referrals for cognitive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for people with suspected or confirmed brain injury or other cognitive or neurological conditions.
Assist participants in accessing available resources, including benefits and social services, with a focus on connecting clients to crucial services such as the SOAR application for SSI/SSDI benefits and other relevant financial supports.
Provide financial counseling related to credit repair, money management and budgeting, etc.
Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations, service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen the program’s impact and ensure clients have access to comprehensive support.
Provide and document all services in alignment with program and agency-wide policies and procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations.