RISE Employment Specialist

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Inc•New Orleans, LA

2d•$0 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The RISE Employment Specialist supports the RISE (Re-entering into Successful Employment) program by providing career development, job-readiness training, employment navigation, and employer engagement services to justice-involved young adults ages 18-24 served by Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. The position helps participants prepare for and obtain education, training, Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), and unsubsidized employment opportunities in high-growth industries, AI infrastructure, information technology, healthcare, and transportation. The RISE Employment Specialist uses a high-tech, high-touch approach, including TransitionConnect, virtual reality (VR) career exploration, digital tools, and individualized coaching, while collaborating with RISE staff, workforce partners, training providers, and employers throughout the Louisiana service area of Jefferson, Plaquemines, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human services, workforce development, business, human resources, counseling, or a related field, plus relevant experience in workforce development, career navigation, case management, recruitment, or employment services; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Experience working with young adults and/or justice-involved populations preferred
Knowledge of career development, workforce systems, employer engagement, job-search strategies, and barriers affecting justice-involved young adults
Knowledge of workforce development, human resources, recruitment practices, career counseling, job placement, and employer engagement
Knowledge of or ability to learn local labor-market trends, high-growth occupations, industry-recognized credentials, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and career pathways relevant to Southeast Louisiana
Skill in using Microsoft Office applications and online career platforms, job-search engines, social media, and other digital employment tools
Ability to learn and effectively use Bonterra Apricot, TransitionConnect, VR career-exploration tools, and other program technology
Ability to maintain accurate, timely, confidential records and use data systems to document services, milestones, and outcomes
Strong organizational, documentation, presentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills
Ability to establish public relations, build employer networks, and collaborate effectively with participants, employers, training providers, workforce partners, community organizations, and professionals from diverse backgrounds
Ability to provide participant-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based career services
Ability to facilitate individual and group career-readiness activities and adapt instruction to participant needs
Strong professional ethics, sound judgment, reliability, follow-through, and the ability to work effectively under pressure
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, recognize problems, and take appropriate corrective action in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures
Ability to work flexible hours and travel locally as required to provide services, attend employer/industry events, and support program activities
Current driver's license issued by state of residence
Current Vehicle Inspection decal
Current vehicle insurance
Current vehicle registration in state of residence
Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report
Must be able to pass required background screening in accordance with agency policy, including a criminal history investigation

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young adults and/or justice-involved populations

Responsibilities

Provide foundational skills training including digital literacy, financial literacy, soft skills, workplace etiquette, professionalism, and resume and cover letter development
Develop individualized job-search strategies using TransitionConnect, VR career exploration, networking, social media, job boards, recruitment agencies, and community resources
Provide career counseling and coaching to help participants identify career pathways, understand job responsibilities, wages, qualifications, and advancement opportunities, and make informed career decisions
Connect participants to education, training, Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), work-based learning, and unsubsidized employment aligned with their skills, interests, credentials, and career goals
Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, recruiters, workforce and community partners, and training providers; identify second-chance employers and solicit employment, apprenticeship, job-shadowing, and work-experience opportunities
Maintain current knowledge of local labor-market conditions and employer needs, with emphasis on VOASELA target industries
Organize and support hiring events, labor exchanges, and career-readiness workshops, including partnerships with community colleges, universities, and workforce training providers
Work to match participant skills and interests to appropriate job placements to support long-term job retention
Use TransitionConnect and approved program technology to support career exploration, employer and apprenticeship matching, and documentation of participant employment milestones
Accurately and timely document RISE Employment Specialist services and participant progress in Bonterra Apricot; track employment outcomes, employer and position information, wages, verification, retention, and participant check-ins
Coordinate with Reentry Specialists and RISE staff to align career services with each participant's Individual Development Plan (IDP), assessment results, credential goals, career pathway, and employment milestones
Serve as the program's lead point of contact for employer engagement and job placement, coordinating with RISE Case Manager on participant readiness and referrals
Collaborate with RISE staff and partners to maintain program fidelity, participant engagement, and achievement of employment, education, training, credential, and apprenticeship outcomes
Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the RISE program