Vocational Educational Specialist

Housing Works • Bronx, NY

9d • $55,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Vocational/Educational Specialist (VES) supports young adults in the STARS Supportive Housing Program as they pursue educational and employment goals. Under the general direction of the Program Coordinator, the VES provides individualized coaching, vocational guidance, and coordination of services to help clients transition into work or training program

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work or a directly related field. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of relevant experience in a social services setting working with Vocational Services with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and/or substance use is required.
• Strong community connections with educational programs and employment contacts
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Experience with and proven commitment to working with low-income and marginalized communities, as well as individuals with multiple chronic medical and/or behavioral health conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one vocational and educational coaching to young adults in the STARS program; assisting them to identify career goals and explore training opportunities and enrolling them in vocational programs.
• Support clients in job readiness activities including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace skills.
• Provide client services including appointment scheduling, transportation coordination, and accompaniment to key appointments
• Facilitate at least four educational workshops annually based on client needs; workshops may be delivered by internal staff or external providers.
• Develop an individual employment plan with the client with input from the care team, other treatment providers, and key others. Incorporates information about the person’s culture that is related to work and school. Updates the employment plan as prescribed by funder and grant requirements when there is a change in employment or education status.
• Conducts 10 employer contacts per month to learn about businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific clients who are looking for work and/or to talk about employer services offered.

Benefits

• We have three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary.
• Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• We offer employees an educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and text books.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level