Employment Specialist- Group Homes
About The Position
The Employment Specialist works collaboratively in a team-oriented, mission-focused environment to help youth in foster homes become trauma-informed, career-ready, financially stable, and professionally confident. The role supports youth through career-readiness workshops, individual sessions, community partnerships, and employment-related data tracking. Following a 90-day probationary period, the position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remote. Using motivational interviewing and a holistic, student-centered approach, the specialist provides employment-focused services to youth in group home settings, helping prepare them for training and job opportunities. The specialist supports internships and employment programs, develops relationships with youth and community partners, maintains accurate service records, and works toward quarterly job-placement targets. The role also provides post-placement support and stays connected with alumni.
Requirements
- Associate's degree or equivalent required.
- 1–3 years of experience working with youth ages 14–26 required.
- Able to work flexible hours, including required monthly evening events.
- Able to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
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 is helpful but not required.
Responsibilities
- Provide consistent, high-quality employment-focused engagements using motivational interviewing and a holistic, student-centered approach.
- Deliver group and individual services and facilitate employment-focused workshops in supportive housing residences, in person and virtually.
- Maintain a structured participant-engagement schedule, contacting youth at least bi-weekly and providing more frequent support when appropriate.
- Prepare youth for internships, training, and employment opportunities through 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), in person and virtually.
- Enroll eligible youth in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and place them in agency departments.
- Update the Workforce Development tracker weekly and maintain accurate, timely client records 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 events.
- Attend Youth Development events, meetings, and programs, as well as required ACS, Fair Futures, and HSVS trainings.
- Provide non-judgmental support, build trusting relationships, and help youth set realistic short- and long-term vocational, educational, and employment goals.
- Ensure each student completes an Employment Portfolio Checklist, including a résumé, cover letter and thank-you letter templates, a mock interview, and appropriate interview attire, before job interviews or internships.
- Meet quarterly job-placement targets established by management, which may change based on program needs, caseload, and funding.
- Maintain communication with youth after placement to collect milestone data and provide support during their first year of employment.
- Keep in contact with alumni and involve them in workshops and events.
- Work flexible hours, including monthly evening events as required, and perform other job-related duties consistent with the position.
- Travel to other agency sites, up to 75%.
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, gift certificates, and more.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
