Employment Specialist - Supportive Housing

Heartshare Human Services Of New York•Brooklyn, NY

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Employment Services, the Employment Specialist serves as a workforce development resource for program participants. The specialist works collaboratively with the employment services team, Supportive Housing staff, and other service providers to help participants achieve employment, educational, and long-term self-sufficiency goals. The role cultivates opportunities in employment, internships, training, and career development through partnerships with workforce development organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community-based organizations. The Employment Specialist builds supportive, engaging, strength-based relationships with participants to help them identify career interests, vocational goals, and employment pathways. Through individualized career planning, skill development, job placement, and retention support, the specialist helps participants obtain and maintain meaningful employment. The role collaborates with the Supportive Housing team to integrate employment services into participants’ overall service plans and applies a compassionate, nonjudgmental, person-centered approach informed by evidence-based practices. Services are provided both in the office and at participants’ supportive housing locations. The position has standard hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 40 hours, with flexibility. Weekly travel to supportive housing sites and employment-related events may be needed. The work takes place in residential and professional office settings and in a dynamic human services environment, with community travel, collaboration, and regular contact with individuals receiving HeartShare services.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent.
1–3 years of experience working with youth ages 14–26 required.
Ability to provide individualized career planning, job-readiness, job-development, placement, and retention support.
Ability to travel weekly to supportive housing sites and employment-related events as needed.
Ability to exchange accurate information and operate a computer and other office tools.
Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Bilingual skills are not required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or equivalent.
5–7 years of experience working with youth ages 14–26 is strongly preferred.
Bilingual skills are helpful.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized career planning, job-readiness training, job development, placement, and retention services.
Meet job seekers at supportive housing locations as well as in the office to support engagement and provide hands-on employment assistance.
Conduct vocational assessments and help participants identify career pathways that support economic self-sufficiency and personal growth.
Assist with job searches, including resume development, interview preparation, applications, and career exploration.
Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and training providers to identify employment and career advancement opportunities.
Provide ongoing job coaching, workplace support, and retention services.
Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate, timely documentation in required databases, case records, and reporting systems.
Facilitate career-readiness workshops, hiring events, employer information sessions, career fairs, and other workforce development activities.
Contact employment-eligible referrals within two business days of receipt and schedule intake appointments within one week; document outreach accurately and promptly.
Advocate for participants and help address barriers to employment success.
Collaborate with the Supportive Housing team and interdisciplinary service providers to align employment services with participants’ broader goals.
Participate in case conferences, service-plan meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
Maintain knowledge of workforce development resources, labor market trends, benefits planning considerations, and community-based support services.
Meet established performance goals and outcomes for participant engagement, employment placements, retention, and service quality.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position’s scope and applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

Benefits

Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending account options for dependent care, medical expenses, 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.