Employment Specialist I

Central City Concern • Portland, OR

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Central City Concern is hiring an Employment Specialist I for its Flip the Script (FTS) Re-Entry program. FTS provides navigation, direct support, and resources to people released from prison and on supervision in Multnomah County. The program supports participants as they return to their communities through employment and housing opportunities, education, advocacy, case management, and peer mentorship, with the goal of reducing recidivism and helping clients lead self-sufficient lives.

The Employment Specialist supports clients affected by homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders throughout their employment journey. The role helps clients identify career goals, address barriers, find work, and maintain employment, while supporting stability in housing and recovery. The position is based at the Employment Access Center in Portland, Oregon, and is represented by AFSCME. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Saturdays and Sundays off. Compensation is listed at $23.41–$31.05 per hour; external candidates are capped at $27.16 per hour under the union contract. Final compensation depends on relevant experience, education, credentials or licensure, and internal equity.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience in workforce development, social services, job placement, job coaching, employment and training, or a related field.
• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of recovery and client-centered treatment.
• Ability to work weekends and/or evenings when necessary.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform job duties.
• Knowledge of area employers, housing resources, training providers, human service agencies, and community groups.
• Ability to travel within the city.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check; applicable program assignments may require DHS Background Check clearance.
• For this contract, convictions involving child or elderly abuse, offenses against persons, sexual offenses, or child neglect are prohibited.
• Ability to comply with CCC’s drug-free workplace policy and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
• Ability to perform job-related physical activities, including walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, reaching, pulling, lifting heavy objects, and climbing stairs, with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Ability to adhere to the agency’s nondiscrimination policies and interact respectfully with coworkers and clients across diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations.
• Ability to develop and carry out individualized employment, training, and retention plans.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and paperwork.
• Strong time management, organization, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with clients, employers, partner agencies, and coworkers.
• Creativity, innovation, and progressive problem-solving ability.
• Knowledge of issues affecting people with multiple barriers to employment.
• Ability to use trauma-informed de-escalation tactics.
• Nonjudgmental attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated expertise in helping individuals develop employment, training, and supportive-services plans and providing ongoing support as they pursue goals.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• Experience working with homeless individuals and/or people recovering from chemical dependency.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid driver’s license. If required to drive, the employee must pass a DMV background check, be designated an acceptable driver under CCC’s Fleet Safety Policy, complete initial driver training within 60 days of approval, and complete continued recertification training.
• Experience facilitating training, groups, and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Provide employment services consistent with CCC and program standards, including creating case plans with employment and training goals, monitoring progress, and delivering services that support client plans.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation in CCC’s Apricot Case Management system and funder systems such as iTrac and iMatchSkills; track services, collect required data, and properly store required documents.
• Monitor services received, financial supports, and employment status for caseload clients, including providing short-term job-retention services.
• Help clients complete Career Maps and conduct assessments to identify skills and abilities.
• Participate in outreach and help clients identify SNAP eligibility and obtain identification needed for employment.
• Determine client eligibility for appropriate community programs and services that support employment goals.
• Collaborate with resource agencies, make referrals, and intervene to address employment barriers such as housing, mental health, substance use, and emergency needs.
• Help clients apply and interview for jobs, including preparing cover letters and resumes and practicing interviews.
• Match job-seeking clients with employers using professional job-placement skills.
• Coordinate services with internal providers, including CCC Supportive Housing and Social Enterprises teams.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to clients.
• Meet contractual client-service goals and other key performance metrics.
• Attend required meetings and training provided by program funders, community partners, and CCC.
• Where applicable, help clients access housing resources and support housing retention through employment services.
• Synthesize information from diverse sources and act appropriately for each client and program.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance, and quality improvement activities as directed.
• Follow CCC policies, procedures, and guidelines, and comply with state and federal privacy requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Protect confidential information and comply with community partners’ and providers’ privacy and security requirements; promptly report breaches of protected health or personal identification information to the CCC Compliance Department and a supervisor or designee.
• Perform related duties within the scope of the role.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Student loan repayment options.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching: 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the third year.
• Paid time off beginning at four weeks of accrual per year, with accrual increasing with longevity.
• Up to 11 recognized holidays and two personal holidays, depending on work shift schedule.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Sabbatical program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED