Supportive Employment Specialist

Lowome Housing Institute•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Supportive Employment Specialist partners with residents to reduce employment barriers and promote long-term housing stability. Using person-centered, trauma-informed engagement, the Specialist helps clients identify career goals, build job-readiness skills, and access training, education, and employment opportunities. The role includes facilitating workshops and classes on resume development, interviewing, and workplace readiness, as well as providing individualized coaching and support. The Specialist connects housing and workforce-development systems and coordinates with housing case managers, property staff, and community partners. The work supports residents in a range of housing-stability circumstances, including people who have received rental-arrears or other short-term stabilization assistance. The Specialist helps strengthen income stability through employment planning, benefits coordination, and job readiness, and supports housing sustainability during employment transitions. The position requires accurate documentation, data entry, and progress tracking to support client and program goals, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. It manages a changing caseload across LIHI housing sites and includes screening, assessment, career planning, referrals, advocacy, workshops, hiring-event involvement, and coordination with community providers. The position reports to the Program Manager.

Requirements

Able to read, write, and communicate in English.
At least one year of work experience in workforce development or a related field.
A bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field, or at least two years of experience providing case-management services.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Well-developed emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Ability to independently de-escalate and resolve conflict.
Computer experience and literacy.
Strong interpersonal and motivational interviewing skills.
Ability to think and operate independently.
Reliable transportation.
Must pass criminal background checks and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience in employment services or supportive services.
Skills in group facilitation.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of housing sites with a dynamic caseload.
Coordinate receipt of Medicaid-eligible referrals and screen potential residents for FCS, SNAP, TANF, and other relevant programs.
Work with Property Management and Supportive Services staff to identify potential sites and clients and coordinate common-area space for training.
Provide initial and ongoing assessments, career planning, outreach, advocacy, referrals, and sustainability planning for enrolled clients.
Establish employment goals and objectives with clients as part of the FCS/Housing team, with a focus on permanent employment and program guidelines.
Coordinate and document progress toward program and enrollment goals.
Update documentation platforms with client case notes and status changes.
Facilitate weekly resume workshops, education groups, and some outings or activities.
Initiate and facilitate client participation in hiring events.
Attend weekly check-ins with the FCS Program Manager for support and oversight.
Consult with the supervisor and complete timely reports on client engagement.
Refer clients to community-based services as appropriate.
Track services and supports residents receive from community providers; network and coordinate with providers and advocate to expedite access to resources and services.
Accompany clients to work- or education-related appointments as needed.
Coordinate joint case conferences when needed.
Seek prompt resolution to issues arising for clients during residency.
Lead assessment of assigned clients’ work-readiness needs, strengths, and limitations; complete caseload summaries and discuss outreach for clients without face-to-face contact.
Assist the FCS Program Manager with internal and external Fidelity reviews and training as needed.
Coordinate veteran and service-connected resources.
Support and participate in advocacy efforts to maintain housing stability during employment transitions.
Participate in quality-assurance activities related to file audits and preparation.
Process and submit expense reports as needed.
Foster a professional and safe environment.
Complete assigned training and meet training deadlines.
Use personal protective equipment and follow PPE protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including employer-paid medical coverage with HRA, HSA, and FSA options.
Dental insurance, including employer-paid dental coverage.
Vision insurance, including employer-paid vision coverage.
Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
Generous vacation and sick leave.
10 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
401(k) offered for unionized employees through OPEIU8.
403(b) offered for non-union employees.
Employee Assistance Program.
Travel Assistance Program.
Aflac offered for all employees.