Employment Services Specialist

Volunteers of America - Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

42d•$21 - $23

About The Position

WHAT MAKES VOA SPECIAL? VOAC recognizes the unique needs of the older adult who needs a wheelchair ramp to stay at home safely, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. VOAC supports veteran's efforts to exit homelessness as well as provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence. Wherever VOAC goes, it combines relationship-building, volunteers and quality services to lift and support our neighbor's efforts to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential. Case Manager 1-Employment Services (Entry Level) directs and facilitates the delivery of employment appropriate support services for participant households as indicated by relevant service modalities. Job duties include conducting needs-based and program eligibility assessments, providing employment and education opportunities to participants, engaging in community outreach, providing case management services, and program-wide service coordination. Case Manager 1 (Entry Level) is charged with making demonstrable progress towards obtaining and applying knowledge and experience in field-relevant best practices and standards

Requirements

Models core culture attributes of VOACO that include "AIRS" (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
Models and VOACO's three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or a closely related field or related experience.
Must possess a Colorado driver's license and state-mandated automobile insurance.
Must possess a personal vehicle that may be used for work-related travel (reimbursement for mileage is available).
Must complete agency and program credentialing within 12 weeks of hire and maintain credentialing standards thereafter.
Knowledge and skill in the application of Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and Housing First Principles.
Ability to respectfully and professionally serve individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ideologies, and religions.
Ability to work and thrive within a diverse, multicultural team environment.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to apply appropriate self-care in the face of often difficult and/or traumatic situations which commonly present while working with persons in need of services.

Nice To Haves

Individualized Placement Services (IPS) Certification

Responsibilities

Ensures that the participant's voice is heard, and their ideas play a prominent role in programming.
Acts as liaison with employers, schools, and businesses to provide participants with appropriate placements; maintains a current list of education and employment opportunities for participants
Provides participants with information and referrals on suitable career paths based on participants skill qualifications, interests, and experiences
Assists participants with preparing for job interviews including but not limited to job application assistance, mock job interviews, and preparing resumes and cover letters
Develops and implements effective coaching strategies to help participants to help participants overcome employment barriers
Provides case management services to Program Clients.
Responsible for identifying and serving the unique needs of participant households participating in Volunteers of America programs and utilizing screening and assessment tools and ensuring the completion of needs-based screenings.
Responsible for understanding and implementing their assigned program according to program funder and Volunteers of America standards and expectations.
Conducts community-wide outreach to identify eligible participant households presenting substantial barriers to housing stability.
Supports team members by serving as a resource for analyzing and solving problems and staying abreast of current issues and theories within the field.
Attends orientations, trainings, education programs, staff meetings, community meetings, conferences and workshops as requested and applicable to meet the needs of the position
May provide training and mentorship to team members and community stakeholders regarding best practices in relevant service models and practices.
Clearly document all client interactions along with required eligibility and demographic information
Performs duties in a professional manner by maintaining the confidentially of all information and by participating effectively within and across teams.
Participates in professional development activities to promote the development of knowledge and experience in field-relevant best practices and standards and makes demonstrable progress towards working in accordance with these practices and standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.