Employment Outreach Specialist

Volunteers of America of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Outreach Specialist provides individualized employment support, case management, and outreach to participants in VOAMASS’s GRIT Workforce Program. Working across VOAMASS programs and community partners, the role helps individuals overcome employment barriers and connect with education, job training, transitional employment, and career opportunities that promote financial independence and long-term success. The specialist conducts employment readiness assessments, develops individualized employment plans, and provides ongoing guidance to help participants build skills, secure meaningful employment, and develop sustainable career pathways. The position coordinates employment services across integrated care teams, VOAMASS programs, and community partners. It supports participant engagement in the Workforce Development program’s education and career training, vending machine social enterprise, and transitional employment activities. The role also develops referral and employer partnerships, monitors participants’ progress at employment sites, and documents services and outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
Minimum of two years of experience in employment services, workforce development, case management, community outreach, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with individuals facing employment barriers, including substance use disorders, mental health conditions, housing instability, and justice involvement.
Knowledge of employment readiness, career planning, job placement, and community resources.
Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate across integrated care teams and develop employer and community partnerships.
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle for work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

Provide service coordination between integrated care teams across VOAMASS residential services, Behavioral Health Services, Veteran Services, and community partners.
Support clients with resume writing, interview skills, career search techniques, and other employment-related competencies.
Connect participants to educational resources and career training, support participation in vending machine social enterprise activities, and facilitate transitional employment opportunities.
Create Individual Employment Plans and help clients reassess and adapt their plans while enrolled in the program.
Document client notes and progress in the Electronic Health Record system.
Find workforce training opportunities for clients and help them enroll.
Develop, maintain, and document referral networks with providers, employers, and employment placement agencies.
Develop employer partnerships for transitional and competitive employment placements.
Travel to employment sites to support clients, monitor progress, and address identified barriers.
Communicate with clients’ integrated care teams and VOAMASS programs to address and correct issues with services or support, particularly employment and education.
Ensure clients receive services that support continued employment, address identified needs, promote healthy decision-making, support financial independence, and promote positive relationships.
Participate in program and professional supervision, attend required staff meetings and trainings, and contribute to collaborative team planning.
Ensure services are documented and client records are maintained.
Collect and enter required performance data at intake, six-month reassessment, and 12-month reassessment.

Benefits

Health, vision, and dental insurance, with the employer paying 90% of the medical deductible and certain co-pays.
Flexible spending account and pre-tax savings options for health care, child care, transit, and parking.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
24/7 nurse hotline.
Employee assistance program.
Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
Pet insurance.
Tuition remission programs.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Vacation starting at three weeks and increasing to four weeks after three years of employment.
14 paid holidays.
Fitness and wellness reimbursement.
Employee discount program.
Cash bonus for referring qualified employment candidates, with no annual cap.