Employment Specialist

Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs Inc.•New York, NY

150d•Onsite

About The Position

The successful candidate will assess residents’ interests, employment history, and aptitudes to develop tailored employment plans through vocational and educational counseling, referrals for skills development, job readiness preparation, training, and employment placement programs, leading to full-time or part-time unsubsidized employment. The Employment Specialist will collaborate with colleagues to address the vocational and educational needs of their caseload, contributing to program success while aligning with NAICA’s core purpose, values, and vision.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of direct social service experience; OR, Associate degree in Human Services or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of direct social service experience; OR, High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with a minimum of eight (8) years of direct social service experience.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to be compassionate yet firm while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Knowledge of community resources.
Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and listen effectively.
Capacity to remain calm in crisis situations.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively under pressure.
Exceptional organizational skills, with a detail-oriented and efficient approach.
Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.
Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.
Must pass drug screening to be appointed.
This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

Responsibilities

Provide counseling and assistance to clients to achieve employment and housing goals.
Coordinate client employment training while optimizing cost containment to expedite their return to work.
Monitor and document client progress to ensure goals and objectives are met.
Consult with clients to discuss options and goals, developing plans for accessing necessary services.
Connect clients to external resources to support employment opportunities.
Utilize assessment tools (CARES, Vocational Profile) to identify support service needs and make appropriate referrals.
Orient clients to the shelter program, including requirements and consequences.
Develop and maintain clients’ Independent Living Plans (ILP) and Psychosocial records via CARES.
Assist non-working clients in obtaining Public Assistance.
Track and monitor client progress or lack thereof through documentation in CARES.
Facilitate group or individual sessions to motivate and empower clients in their planning and goal setting.
Conduct weekly or bi-weekly meetings with clients, or as needed.
Refer clients for job development and subsequent employment opportunities when appropriate.
Direct clients to resources to support their goal attainment.
Provide after-care services to address issues, challenges, and successes, enhancing long-term self-sufficiency.
Maintain client files, including conversations, warnings, progress reports, and documentation of all incidents via CARES.
Report critical incidents immediately to the Director of Social Services.
Collaborate with Housing Specialists and Case Managers to assess client readiness for employment and/or housing.
Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity.
Refer clients to internal and external resources, serving as an advocate when necessary.
Develop and sustain connections with other programs and units within the organization for inter-agency referrals.
Substitute for other employment staff as needed.
Perform additional duties as required.