Employment and Stabilization Specialist

St Catherine s Center for Children•Albany, NY

12h•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment & Stabilization Specialist (“Specialist”) provides direct, hands-on support to families residing in our shelter, focusing exclusively on the transition from homelessness to permanent, stable housing, and financial security. Unlike a traditional Case Manager who oversees overall psychosocial needs and benefits, this role is a housing and income focused, skills-based specialist. Working side-by-side with residents and the Case Management team, the Specialist will proactively facilitate active housing and employment searches, disability benefits navigation, gathering records, assisting with applications, resume building/ clean up, interview coaching, and remove barriers to program, tenancy, and work. To ensure comprehensive support, this role coordinates service delivery through a large network of service providers, including Coordinated Entry (CE) and the Albany County Dept. of Mental Health Single Point of Access (SPOA). This role bridges the gap between Case Management and Tenant Stability Advocacy.

Requirements

BSW or Bachelor’s Degree in human service field.
Associate’s degree with five or more years of relevant professional experience and relatable life experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
A Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License (actively licensed at least one year) - is required.
Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate client schedules, which may include evening and/or weekend hours.
Proficiency in computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Business Workspace Suite (Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets), and use secure Internet practices.
Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude.
Capacity and openness to work with populations from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including but not limited to a broad range of people with various developmental and functional levels.
Qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability to day-to-day changes with client needs and functioning; A professional record of integrity, proven reliability and dependability.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources is beneficial.
Previous experience working in a human services agency is a plus!

Responsibilities

Active Housing Search: Work directly with families to identify, apply for, and partner with Case Management to secure affordable, permanent housing.
Application Assistance: Guide residents through the logistics of credit checks, background checks, housing applications, medical paperwork and gathering necessary documentation (IDs, income verification).
Landlord Advocacy: Actively outreach to local landlords and property managers to cultivate relationships, mitigate concerns, and advocate for our families.
Housing Tours: Accompany residents to housing viewings and interviews with landlords when necessary. Can work with Case Management and Driver to accomplish.
Coordinated Entry and SPOA: Complete applications and refer to the appropriate housing providers. Support the family by identifying appropriate documentation for the referral.
SSI/SSD Application Assistant: Assist eligible residents through the initial application and appeal processes. Help residents understand how earned income impacts public assistance and SSI/SSD benefits to facilitate informed financial planning.
Employment Readiness: Assist residents with job searches, resume building, application completion and interview coaching.
Curriculum Delivery: Lead regular workshops or one-on-one sessions using evidence-based tenant education frameworks (e.g., Rent Well or similar curriculum). As stated in the Resident Handbook, Marillac offers two classes a week- Housing and Employment Navigation
Financial Literacy: Teach practical skills including basic household budgeting, understanding utility bills, and managing rent payments.
Tenant Rights: Educate residents on lease agreements, fair housing laws, tenant rights, and landlord expectations.
Conflict Resolution: Teach families how to communicate effectively with landlords and neighbors to resolve future disputes amicably.
Logistical Support: Assist families with the physical and logistical transition of moving (e.g., coordinating move-in dates, sourcing furniture donations, setting up utilities).
Sustainability Planning: Create a tailored "Housing Stabilization Plan" for each family to ensure they have the community resources required to maintain their housing post-shelter.
Network with other community organizations to enable families to secure the resources that they need
Complete outcome measures for QA
Participate in professional programming on a regular basis including staff meetings
Establish and maintain professional and supportive relationships with families, maintaining appropriate personal boundaries; establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff members in accordance with all agency procedures, policies and practices.
Actively listen to residents and encourage open communication
Coaching around necessities such as food, clothing, and personal hygiene.
Develop an in-depth knowledge of housing resources for homeless families
Coordinate with Case Management to support service plan goals
Meet regularly with residents to review resources and referrals
Assist with casework activities for families, related to housing and employment.
Class Facilitation: Lead regularly scheduled workshops and one-on-one sessions using evidence-based education frameworks.

Benefits

Pension Plan: Secure your future with a retirement pension plan featuring a generous agency contribution.
403(b) Retirement Savings: Pre-tax savings options to further build your nest egg.
Student Loan Forgiveness: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, employment here qualifies eligible staff for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Expense Reimbursements: Travel and mileage reimbursements for any role-related transit.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choice of robust Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to fit your needs.
Well-being Reimbursement: A $600 annual benefit dedicated to supporting your personal wellness journey.
Work-Life Balance: Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) plus paid holidays so you can rest and recharge.
Life Insurance: Fully employer-paid, automatic life insurance coverage at no cost to you.
Paid Certifications & Training: Fully covered training updates, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and CPR/AED/First Aid.
Tuition Assistance: Financial support for continuing education and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Career Advancement: Clear pathways for professional development and internal career growth.
Our Culture: Enjoy the comfort of a welcoming, business-casual work environment rooted in our core values of Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect, and Solidarity.