Employment Placement Specialist(DC, PG, NOVA) (66556)

Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas•Baltimore, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Placement Specialist is responsible for assisting residents with employment needs. The position functions as a job service liaison for the program, networking with local business leaders, establishing commitments to employ residents, facilitating placements, and providing follow-up. This position will also provide vocational training assistance, individual and group counseling, and post release follow-up relative to employment with the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of experience related to job development and placement assistance.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with the offender population, other service agencies, and the general public.
Ability to provide effective training.
Ability to prepare written reports.
Ability to maintain client documentation.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
Physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.
Ability to move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment.
Ability to perform office equipment operations requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
Ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with corrections is preferred.
Applicants may substitute an Associate’s Degree in a related field and three years experience.

Responsibilities

Assesses needs of offenders as related to employment, vocational and/or educational needs.
Develops and coordinates community resources.
Serve as a Liaison to local businesses.
Participates in the intake, screening and assessment procedures.
Maintains offender and service records according to established procedures.
Assist offender and service records according to established procedures.
Provide training on proper dress and interview techniques.
Develop an employment resource file.
Assist offenders by accessing computer-based technology and resources which include care assistance software and on-line resources for the offender.
Assist offenders in obtaining and maintaining employment.
Arrange and monitor on-site training.
Provide job coaching.
Maintain communication with offenders’ employer and document accordingly.
Visit job sites to provide assistance to offender and employers.
Identify potential employment opportunities for resident.
Participates in staff meetings and training sessions, and assists in providing training.
Communicates resident’s needs and progress with Resident Service Coordinators, employers, and collaborating agencies.
Assists in employment readiness.
Prepare weekly program reports on residents’ status and activity.
Establish and maintain a community resource and referral index.
Provide assistance with locating employment job fairs on-site or in the community.
Perform employment verifications and maintain accurate communications with the OP Inmate Placement Administrator.
Provides case management services as needed or directed.