Employment Specialist- Group Homes

Heartshare Human Services Of New York•Brooklyn, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist reports to the Director of Workforce and Employment Initiatives and works collaboratively in a team-oriented, mission-focused environment. The role supports youth in foster homes and group home settings in becoming career-ready, financially stable, and professionally confident through career-readiness workshops, individual sessions, community partnerships, and detailed data tracking. The Employment Specialist provides employment-focused engagement using motivational interviewing and a holistic, student-centered approach. The position includes facilitating workshops and individual services in person and virtually, maintaining regular contact with youth, preparing participants for internships and job opportunities, and supporting them through employment milestones. The role also maintains accurate service records, develops outreach materials, attends youth-development events and required trainings, and works toward management-established quarterly job-placement targets. The position is full-time, with standard hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 40 flexible hours. Monthly evening events are required, and the role may require additional flexible hours. After successful completion of a 90-day probationary period, the position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remotely. The role involves travel to other agency sites, with travel listed as up to 75%.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent required.
1–3 years of experience working with youth ages 14–26 required.
Ability to work flexible hours and attend monthly evening events.
Ability to travel to other agency sites, with travel listed as up to 75%.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing, occasional movement within buildings or residential settings, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.
Ability to exchange accurate information and regularly operate a computer and other office tools.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or equivalent preferred.
Master’s degree or equivalent preferred.
5–7 years of experience working with youth ages 14–26 strongly preferred.
Bilingual ability preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide consistent, high-quality employment-focused engagement to youth in group homes using motivational interviewing and a holistic, student-centered approach.
Provide group and individual services and facilitate employment-focused workshops within Supportive Housing Residences, in person and virtually.
Develop and maintain a participant engagement schedule, contacting youth at least bi-weekly and providing weekly or daily follow-up when appropriate for youth with more immediate needs.
Prepare youth for HSVS internships, SYEP, and employer job and career opportunities using YA-WORC screening methods.
Advertise, enroll, and oversee youth participating in the in-house Go-Getters internship program; attend meetings related to the Mentored Internship Program (MIP) and Work Learn Grow (WLG).
Enroll eligible youth in SYEP and place them in agency departments.
Update the Workforce Development tracker weekly and maintain accurate, current client records through real-time data entry in designated systems and trackers.
Develop marketing materials and conduct outreach to inform youth about job fairs, vocational training, professional development, career-readiness workshops, and other workforce-development events.
Attend Youth Development events, meetings, and programs, as well as ACS, Fair Futures, and HSVS trainings, both in person and virtually.
Provide non-judgmental support, build trusting relationships, and help youth and young adults set realistic short- and long-term vocational, educational, and employment goals.
Ensure each student completes an Employment Portfolio Checklist (EPC), including a resume, template cover letter, thank-you letter, mock interview, and appropriate interview attire, before job interviews or internships.
Meet quarterly job-placement targets established by management for connecting youth with permanent employment opportunities.
Maintain contact with youth after they become employed to collect milestone data and provide ongoing support during their first year of employment.
Keep in contact with alumni and involve them in workshops, events, and related activities.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position's scope and applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Benefits

Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and holidays.
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
Employee appreciation programs and events.
Tuition assistance program.
Professional development opportunities.
Wellhub discount.
Verizon Wireless discount.
BJ’s membership discount.
Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, and gift certificates.