Employment Specialist I

Central City Concern • Portland, OR

20d • $23 - $31 • 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 under supervision in Multnomah County. The program supports successful community transitions through employment and housing opportunities, education, advocacy, case management, and peer mentorship, with the goal of reducing recidivism and helping participants lead self-sufficient lives.

The Employment Specialist partners with clients affected by homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders throughout their employment journey. The specialist helps clients set career goals, address barriers, build workforce skills, find and retain jobs, and connect with services that support stability, housing, and recovery. The position is based at the Employment Access Center in Portland, Oregon, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Saturdays and Sundays off. The role is union represented through AFSCME.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in workforce development, social services, job placement, job coaching, employment and training, or a related field.
• Embrace the mission and philosophy of recovery and client-centered treatment.
• Be able to work weekends and/or evenings as necessary.
• Have the computer skills needed to perform the duties.
• Have knowledge of area employers, housing resources, training providers, human service agencies, and community groups.
• Be able to travel within the city.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check; DHS Background Check clearance is required when working in FAN, Blackburn, or OTRC programs.
• For this specific contract, have no convictions for child or elderly abuse, offenses against persons, sexual offenses, or child neglect.
• Follow CCC’s drug-free workplace requirements.
• Be generally able to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull, lift heavy objects, and climb stairs, with reasonable or no accommodation.
• Adhere to the agency’s nondiscrimination policies and interact respectfully with people of diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations.
• Develop and carry out individualized employment, training, and retention plans.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork; demonstrate strong time management, follow-through, and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate and interact effectively with clients, employers, partner agencies, and coworkers.
• Be creative, innovative, and able to solve problems progressively.
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting people with multiple barriers to employment and provide trauma-informed de-escalation.
• Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team, maintain professional boundaries, and facilitate training, groups, and workshops.
• Demonstrate expertise in helping individuals develop employment, training, and supportive-services plans and providing ongoing support toward their goals.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or recovering from chemical dependency.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid driver’s license. If required to drive, pass a DMV background check, meet CCC’s acceptable-driver standards, and complete initial driver training within 60 days of approval and continued recertification training.

Responsibilities

• Provide employment services consistent with CCC and program requirements, including creating case plans with employment and training goals, monitoring progress, and providing services that support each plan.
• Maintain accurate documentation in CCC’s Apricot Case Management system and other required systems, including iTrac and iMatchSkills; track services and collect and store required data and documents.
• Monitor services, financial supports, employment status, and short-term job-retention needs for clients on the caseload.
• Help clients complete Career Maps and conduct assessments of their 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; collaborate with resource agencies, make referrals, and help address barriers such as housing, mental health, substance use, and emergency needs.
• Assist clients with job applications and interviews, including preparing cover letters and resumes and practicing interviews.
• Match job-seeking clients with employers using professional job-placement skills.
• Coordinate with internal service providers, including CCC Supportive Housing and Social Enterprises teams, to streamline services.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to clients.
• Meet contractual client-service goals and other performance measures.
• Attend required meetings and training offered by program funders, community partners, and CCC.
• When needed, assist clients with housing referrals 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 applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2; promptly report breaches of protected health information or personal identification information.
• Perform related duties as assigned 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