Employment Specialist (Full-Time)

Covenant House California•Santa Clara, CA

About The Position

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization supporting young people ages 18–24 who are overcoming homelessness. The Employment Specialist helps residents and non-residents build employment skills and obtain entry-level and career-advancing employment. The role provides job-search coaching and matching, develops internships, builds business partnerships, and delivers case management, documentation, workshops, and related support. The specialist works with young people and their case managers to develop and carry out individualized employment plans, provide one-to-one job-search assistance, teach employment-readiness skills, and coordinate workforce groups and events. The role also maintains employment records, supports service integration across CHC programs, connects young people with job and education resources, oversees internship programs, and represents CHC in community employment partnerships. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, in a general business/office environment. Some weekend or holiday work may be required. The role may also involve crisis intervention, coverage for other direct-care positions, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the living environment.

Requirements

High school diploma required; relevant life or work experience may be considered in lieu of diplomas.
At least 3 years of employment development experience working with at-risk young people.
Knowledge of adolescent development, crisis intervention, multicultural awareness, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, CPR and First Aid, job-skills development, and employment-readiness skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
Computer literacy, including Word, Outlook, and Access.
Ability to work independently as a self-starter and collaboratively with staff, young people, vendors, and the public.
Valid California driver's license, good driving record, and ability to drive residents to activities using CHC vans.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and bend, sit, and stand for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
CPR and PART 2000 training.

Responsibilities

Implement individualized employment plans with young people and their primary case managers, addressing employability, job-search skills, skills enhancement, and job retention.
Assess ongoing employment-search needs, provide one-to-one support, hold regular progress meetings, and participate in Success Plan meetings.
Help young people develop job-search techniques, computer skills, résumés, applications, cover letters, follow-up practices, and interview skills.
Facilitate employment and workforce curricula and provide monthly workshops on topics such as interviewing, résumé writing, career exploration, and job retention.
Coordinate and facilitate employment groups, job-retention groups, job fairs, and other employment-related events.
Maintain complete and current records in ETO and HMIS, comply with standards and grant requirements, update daily logs and employment data, and create weekly engagement/employment touchpoints.
Communicate with other CHC departments and provide backup support to other Specialists as needed.
Attend assigned program trainings, residential transition meetings, case reviews, taskforce meetings, and workforce meetings, seminars, or webinars.
Encourage and assist young people with enrollment in benefits and resources, including CalFresh and CalFresh E&T.
Organize job-search sessions; research and share job opportunities, job fairs, and professional clothing resources; and coordinate or provide transportation when applicable.
Coordinate career exploration activities and visits to vocational programs, community colleges, and other areas of interest.
Encourage participation in educational and vocational training programs and applicable client incentive programs.
Oversee the on-site internship program, monitor participants’ progress, meet weekly with internship mentors, and oversee payroll for participants.
Oversee the off-site internship program once established.
Serve as a liaison to external organizations promoting employment for young people, attend community events, and promote short- and long-term employment opportunities.
Record collaborations and partnerships in memoranda of understanding and file them onsite.
Perform other assigned duties, including maintaining a clean and safe living environment, providing crisis intervention when necessary, and covering other direct-care roles.