Employment Specialist I

JCFS Chicago • Chicago, IL

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, assist clients in locating appropriate employment opportunities. Evaluates clients’ placement and employability potential. Liaises with employers and potential employers for placement opportunities. Experience working with people with disabilities is a major plus!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university.
• Minimum one to two years related experience supporting people with disabilities
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license, and have reliable transportation to travel to various Chicagoland locations.
• Ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines with flexibility.
• Strong ability to work independently, remain focused, productive, and accomplish goals in a challenging, fluid, and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Strong team-player who demonstrates commitment and the ability to collaborate effectively with other team members and volunteers.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge and usage of Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Working knowledge with database and client management software.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and to speak effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with people with disabilities is a major plus!
• Knowledge of employment landscape in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
• Minimum of one to two years related experience.
• Cross-culture experience/experience working with targeted populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intakes and service plans; instruct in job readiness skills such as building resumes, interview preparation.
• Evaluate clients' vocational needs, employability potential.
• Align services with funding requirements.
• Counsel clients on various aspects of work culture, employer expectations, workplace norms, public transportation routes, and appropriate clothing for interviews and work.
• Coordinate attainment of support services, if needed.
• Screen clients to best match them with available jobs.
• Coordinate with Business Services Representatives for presentation of skills to employers and interview scheduling.
• Advocate for clients presenting skills, qualifications and strengths to employers.
• Arrange necessary accommodations for interviews and employment, when needed.
• Assist with on-boarding new applicants.
• Provide job coaching and on-the-job training on an as needed basis.
• Coordinate and maintain open communication with other team members regarding client needs that may impact successful employment placement and retention.
• Research and initiate contact with potential employers; maintain relationships with current employer partners.
• Introduce and explain Agency services to employers; learn about current job openings; present client strengths and abilities, when appropriate.
• Arrange interviews, negotiate placements, and follow up with clients and employers after interviews.
• Coordinate language interpretation intervention for interviews and employment intake as necessary.
• Coordinate services to/from referral sources.
• Teach job readiness training in classes, job clubs or individual job readiness sessions according to client needs and program structure.
• Plan, coordinate and facilitate client focused service orientation in individual or group sessions.
• Provide outreach/recruitment to local, targeted community agencies, religious organizations, government entities, and schools to market the program to potential referral sources.

Benefits

• Paid time off varies by position - includes vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with base contribution and match.
• Additional health and wellness benefits
• Financial benefits
• Professional training
• Tuition reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level