Employment Specialist

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Department: Integrated Services

Reports To: Employment Program Manager

FLSA Status / Pay Type: Non-Exempt

Caritas of Austin Values

Respect

We believe in the inherent dignity of all people, and we celebrate every person’s uniqueness and contributions to our work.

Equity

We are committed to fairness and impartiality in the way we provide services and opportunities for service.

Commitment

We are resolute in our mission to build well-being and end homelessness for the people we serve.

Excellence

We have high standards for every aspect of our work, continuously raising the bar to provide the best experience and outcomes for everyone we serve.

Innovation

We are leaders in meeting the most pressing needs of the Austin community, continually learning and improving to affect positive change.

Position Summary

This is a full-time grant funded position and is contingent upon renewal of the grant. The Program Manager and the Department Director select the Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist is responsible for all aspects of service delivery to individuals referred to the Employment Program. This includes development of customized employment plans for individuals and placing them in the most appropriate employment setting. This position will be serving a diverse and vulnerable population, primarily newly arrived refugees, etc., and requires the Employment Specialist to work closely with staff and community agencies to coordinate additional services. Besides providing employment services, the Employment Specialist will approve the individuals for employment related financial assistance and perform other duties as assigned. This position requires maintenance of client files with detailed documentation of service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employment Services

Conducts intake & assessment.

Develops structured individual employment and self-sufficiency service plan for each client, addressing and assisting client to recognize their interests, strengths, needs, deficits, and goals towards employment.

Makes job referrals, assists with job applications, and facilitates job placements and job upgrades.

Trains client on effective interviewing skills, resume writing, and professional presentation.

Provides information to clients about educational opportunities, including vocational and training programs and college courses relevant to client goals.

Collaborates with the team in identifying appropriate jobs for clients.

Prepares and submits client assistance check requests.

Conducts employment services follow-up as required by grants.

Coordinates client services with other Caritas programs and service providers.

Complies with funding source guidelines and requirements.

Maintains on-going interactions with employers.

Consistently and accurately completes data entry of client information using the agency database systems.

Maintains client files with required forms, Employment Service Plan, case notes, and client assistance check request documentation.

Maintains detailed case notes in all files that provide accurate and complete description of service provided to clients as well as clients’ involvement in the case plan.

Compiles monthly/quarterly reports as requested by Employment Program Manager.

Responds to individual client concerns with accurate information in a respectful, effective and timely manner.

Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Financial Assistance

Conducts intake and assessment of clients for financial assistance (e.g. Refugee Cash Assistance program eligibility).

Provides monthly cash and vendor payments to eligible households based on government guidelines.

Maintains files with record of relevant financial assistance, intake, assessment, payments, and other required documents and closes files in a timely manner.

Refers clients to other programs if there is an unmet need.

Completes data entry of financial assistance (e.g. Refugee Cash Assistance) provided to each client.

Completes other tasks related to financial services (e.g. Refugee Cash Assistance) as assigned.

Organizational Support Functions

Follows employee policies and procedures.

Comply with timely reporting requirements e.g. weekly basis for new clients, monthly basis for employed clients, and as needed for other services and follow ups class attendants, appointments, etc.

Attends and participates in staff meetings.

Participates in and assists with organization planning and training functions.

Complies with administrative procedures, reporting and record keeping policies.

Supports Caritas goals and values.

Other

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Develops an approved plan for professional development.

Treats clients, staff, and the general public with courtesy and respect.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor or Master’s Degree from an accredited college/university with a major in one or more of the following areas: business administration, human resources, social work, psychology, sociology, education, international studies, and other business and/or human services related fields.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum one year of experience providing career services, people development and working with diverse populations and clients with barriers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

Must have ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment

Must be computer literate

Other Position Requirements

Must have dependable transportation

Must be bilingual in Tigrinya, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, or Arabic.

Spanish preferred but not required.

Competencies

Job Knowledge/Technical Knowledge:
Demonstrates a sound working knowledge of current role and the technical systems, applications and equipment used in performing this role, and understands the impact this role has on other business functions within the organization.

Communication:
The ability to write and speak effectively using appropriate convention based on the situation; actively listens to others, asks questions to verify understanding, and uses tact and consideration when delivering feedback to others.

Organization:
Uses time efficiently by prioritizing and planning work activities

Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates upmost level of integrity in all instances, and shows respect towards others and towards company principles.

Judgment:
Demonstrates ability to make independent and sound decisions in all situations.

Teamwork:
Shares key information with others involved in a project or effort, works in harmony to accomplish objectives, responds with enthusiasm to directives, and shows support for departmental and organizational decisions.

Quality:
Sets high standards and measures of excellence to ensure quality assurance in every aspect of work performed.

Accountability:
Takes personal responsibility and ownership for adhering to all company policies and procedures while also completing work timely and in accordance with performance expectations.

Customer Service:
The ability to demonstrate a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction.

Interpersonal Communication:
Writes and speaks effectively based on the psychological, relational, situation, environmental and cultural dynamics within the situation.

Manages Change:
Demonstrates effectiveness and flexibility with changing environments, responsibilities, tasks, and people.

Attention to Detail:
Follows detailed procedures to ensure accuracy in the entry and reporting of data.

Problem Solving:
Identifies and resolves issues timely by gathering and analyzing information skillfully.