Employment Placement Specialist

VOA Chesapeake and Carolinas•Baltimore, MD

4d•$53,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Placement Specialist assists residents with employment needs and serves as the program’s job service liaison. The role networks with local business leaders, establishes commitments to employ residents, facilitates job placements, and provides follow-up. It also supports vocational training, provides individual and group counseling, and conducts post-release employment follow-up in the community. The specialist assesses residents’ employment, vocational, and educational needs; coordinates community resources; supports employment readiness; and helps residents obtain and maintain employment. The role provides job coaching and training in appropriate dress and interview techniques, arranges and monitors on-site training, and communicates with employers and collaborating agencies. It also provides case management as needed or directed and maintains required resident, service, and program documentation. The position is based at RRC in Baltimore, Maryland, is full-time at 40-plus hours, and involves a day shift and travel of up to 25%. The role supports residents’ reentry into the workforce and community, successful program completion, compliance with vocational plans and release requirements, and fulfillment of contractual obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience related to job development and placement assistance.
Alternatively, an associate degree in a related field and three years of experience.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with the offender population, service agencies, and the general public.
Ability to provide effective training, prepare written reports, and maintain client documentation.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
Ability to travel to assigned locations and perform the physical activities described, including standing, stooping, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, lifting, grasping, climbing, talking, seeing, hearing, and basic/light home maintenance activities.
Ability to move and lift light objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to operate office equipment involving continuous or repetitive hand and arm movements.
Ability to remain seated for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience with corrections is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess offenders’ employment, vocational, and educational needs.
Develop and coordinate community resources and maintain a community resource and referral index.
Serve as a liaison to local businesses and establish employment opportunities for residents.
Participate in intake, screening, and assessment procedures.
Maintain offender and service records according to established procedures.
Provide training on appropriate dress and interview techniques.
Develop an employment resource file and assist offenders in accessing computer-based technology and resources, including care assistance software and online resources; ensure awareness that offenders are prohibited from using the Internet.
Assist offenders in obtaining and maintaining employment, including providing job coaching and employment-readiness assistance.
Arrange and monitor on-site training.
Maintain communication with offenders’ employers and document communications; visit job sites to assist offenders and employers.
Identify potential employment opportunities for residents and assist in locating job fairs on-site or in the community.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions and assist in providing training.
Communicate residents’ needs and progress to Resident Service Coordinators, employers, and collaborating agencies.
Prepare weekly program reports on residents’ status and activity.
Perform employment verifications and maintain accurate communications with the OP Inmate Placement Administrator.
Provide case management services as needed or directed.
Help residents re-enter the workforce and community and facilitate successful completion of the program.
Ensure residents’ vocational plans comply with program guidelines and release requirements, and ensure service documentation complies with agency policies and release requirements.
Promote and maintain a positive public image for the program and provide the community with information about the program and residents’ employment potential.
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations.