Supportive Employment Specialist

Low Income Housing Institute•Seattle, WA

19h•$26 - $32

About The Position

The Supportive Employment Specialist partners directly with residents to remove barriers to employment and support long-term housing stability. Through person-centered navigation, the Supportive Employment Specialist helps clients identify career goals, develop job readiness skills, and access training, education, and employment opportunities that align with their goals. The Supportive Employment Specialist facilitates classes and workshops on topics such as resume building and enhancement, interviewing, and workplace readiness, while also providing individualized coaching and support. This role bridges housing and workforce development systems, ensuring clients receive the resources, training, and advocacy needed to succeed at work and maintain stable housing. In coordination with housing case managers, property staff, and community partners, the Supportive Employment Specialist works with residents across a range of housing stability circumstances, including individuals who have received rental arrears or other short-term housing stabilization assistance. The Specialist supports residents in strengthening income stability through employment planning, benefits coordination, and job readiness, helping ensure that time-limited assistance is paired with realistic pathways toward long-term housing sustainability. This position emphasizes empowerment, trauma-informed engagement, and cross-system collaboration to promote sustainable outcomes. The role requires accurate documentation, data entry, and tracking of progress toward client and program goals, contributing to quality assurance and continuous improvement across the program.

Requirements

Able to read, write and communicate in English.
Minimum of 1 year work experience in Workforce Development or related field
Bachelor degree in Social Work or related field or At least two years of experience in providing case management services.
Strong organizational and time-management skills are necessary.
Well-developed emotional intelligence & interpersonal skills.
Ability to independently de-escalate/resolve conflict.
Computer experience and literacy.
Strong interpersonal and motivational interviewing skills.
Strong ability to think and operate independently.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must pass criminal background checks and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

5+ years experience in employment services or supportive services
Skills in group facilitation

Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio of sites with a dynamic caseload across LIHI’s housing.
Coordinates receipt of Medicaid eligible referrals and conducts screenings of potential residents including FCS, SNAP, TANF and any other relevant programs.
Works directly with Property Management staff , and Supportive Services Staff to identify potential sites and clients as well as coordinating common area space usage for training.
Provides initial and ongoing assessments, career planning, outreach, advocacy, referrals & sustainability planning for all enrolled clients.
Establishes employment goals and objectives with clients as part of the FCS/Housing team, with particular focus on achieving permanent employment in adherence to program guidelines.
Coordinates and documents progress toward program and enrollment goals.
Regularly updates all relevant documentation platforms with client case notes and status changes.
Facilitates weekly resume workshops, education groups, and some outings/activities.
Initiates and facilitates client involvement with hiring events.
Weekly check-ins with FCS Program Manager (PM) for support and oversight.
Consults with supervisor and completes prompt reports on client engagement.
Refers clients to community-based services as appropriate.
Tracks the services/supports residents receive from other community providers; networks and coordinates with service providers; advocates as needed to speed access to resources/services.
Accompanies clients to work/education related appointments as needed.
Coordinates joint case conferences if/when deemed necessary.
Promptly seeks resolution to issues that arise for the client in the course of residency.
Takes the lead in work readiness needs, strengths and limitations of all assigned clients; completes summaries of all clients on caseload and discusses outreach efforts for clients with whom no face to face contact has occurred.
Assist FCS PM with all internal and external Fidelity reviews and training as needed.
Coordinate veteran/service connected resources.
Supports and participates in advocacy efforts to ensure housing stability while employment transitions take place.
Participates in Quality Assurance activities related to file audit and preparation.
Able to process and submit expense reports, as needed.
Foster a professional and safe environment.
Engage with assigned training and comply with training deadlines.
Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow PPE protocols.
Other duties as assigned.