Employment Specialist

Vibrant Emotional Health•New York, NY

1d•$29 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist provides comprehensive vocational support to young adults through employer engagement, job development, career coaching, and workplace retention strategies. The role facilitates individualized employment and career-readiness services while fostering social, emotional, and independent-living skills to improve youth employment outcomes. The position is in the Bronx Adolescent Skills Center, reports to the Program Director, and is hybrid-fixed, full-time, Monday through Friday, with 0–10% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in vocational or employment services for youth.
Knowledge of labor-market trends and employer expectations.
Experience with evidence-based practices and job-coaching models.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to evaluate information, solve problems, and work independently.
Skills in youth engagement, vocational counseling, and conflict resolution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other digital tools.
Ability to remain composed under pressure, stay organized, and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
Frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and virtually.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Bilingual/bicultural background preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a network of employer partnerships and internship sites.
Identify and assess local labor markets and contact at least three new employers per quarter.
Promote the benefits of hiring youth with mental health or physical challenges, including available tax incentives.
Coordinate union apprenticeships, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Maintain a job bank of hiring events, job fairs, and employment leads.
Assess youth and match them with appropriate employment based on their skills and interests.
Provide job coaching, workplace shadowing, and job-retention strategies.
Support youth with on-the-job accommodations and disclosure planning.
Facilitate career-development workshops and Career Club sessions.
Guide youth in financial literacy, benefits planning, and soft-skills development.
Maintain accurate and timely case records, vocational plans, progress notes, and reports.
Enter activities and youth progress into the AWARDS database.
Report incidents within 24 hours and comply with Vibrant and DOHMH standards.
Meet weekly with supervisors and attend professional-development sessions.