Employment Specialist

Volunteers of America - Greater New York, Inc.•New York, NY

About The Position

The Employment Specialist for our YouthBuild Training & Employment Program will play a pivotal role in helping young adults navigate the complexities of the job market and secure meaningful employment opportunities. They will work closely with program participants, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout their job search journey.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in vocational rehabilitation or related field and three or more years’ experience in workforce development or vocational rehabilitation.
Strong understanding of the job market, employment trends, and recruitment strategies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse population.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language fluency and previous experience working with young adults, preferably in career counseling and workforce development, are preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct Individualized Career Counseling via one-on-one sessions with program participants to assess their skills, interests, and career goals. Develop personalized career plans tailored to each participant’s strengths and aspirations. Guide resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Assist participants in identifying suitable job opportunities aligned with their career objectives. Facilitate connections with employers and coordinate job interviews for program participants. Provide ongoing support during the application and interview process, including mock interviews and feedback sessions.
Organize and conduct workshops on essential job readiness skills, such as communication, time management, and workplace etiquette. Collaborate with external partners to offer training programs and certifications relevant to participants’ career interests. Monitor participants’ progress and provide additional support resources to enhance their employability.
Community Outreach and Networking is established with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to create employment opportunities for program participants. Attend job fairs, networking events, and community gatherings to promote the program and expand your network of employers.
Track and document participants’ progress, including job placements, skill development, and employment outcomes. Collect feedback from participants and stakeholders to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Prepare regular reports and presentations to share program outcomes and achievements with internal stakeholders and funders and identify areas for improvement.
During the retention period, check in with participants and employers to assess progress and identify any areas where additional support may be needed. This may involve coaching in workplace communication, problem-solving, time management, and other essential skills, conflict resolution, or additional on-the-job training needs.