Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

SUMMARY

Provide employment and educational counseling to families and single adults served under the continuum of SMOC Housing Assistance Programs and the CIES Program. Place heads of a household into living-wage employment or connect with short term hard skill training programs which will lead to a living wage job. Support integration effort between the SMOC Family and Individual Systems and SMOC Employment Programs. Work with clients to identify barriers to employment and supports needed to obtain and maintain employment. Develop relationships and linkages with local employers and cultivate jobs for families served by SMOC Housing Assistance Programs and the CIES Program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Housing Assistance Case Managers to identify families in their programs and provide employment services directed toward the goal of competitive employment. Work diligently to help each client find employment that meets their individual needs.

• Ongoing engagement of Families and Single Adults in the Family and Individual Systems providing integration with Employment Programs.

• Assist clients with job development, job search, and placements that are consistent with their needs and interests. Identify and place clients into short term hard skill training programs that will allow for the attainment of a living wage job at completion.

• Conduct aggressive job development in the community with the goal of identifying job placements that would be possible for identified families.

• Conduct initial assessment of clients' vocational and educational functioning. Review and monitor on an ongoing basis. Identify barriers to employment and work with the client to overcome these through information and referral.

• Develop Individual Employment Plans in conjunction with the Housing Assistance case management team to support each client's needs and goals.

• Cultivate and build relationships with community resources to address barriers to employment (i.e. child care resources, DTA, mental health treatment, transportation)

• Complete and maintain accurate documentation for each individual served within required timeline.

• Maintain ongoing communication with interdisciplinary team to integrate vocational services into service planning for the family.

• Assist clients with writing resumes, interview skills, communication skills and other job search skills the individual may require support with.

• Provide the same breadth of job search and education search assistance to individuals served under the CIES Program.

• Assist individuals who are not part of caseload but are seeking assistance within the Career Center with job search activities

• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.

• Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.

• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.

• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in social services or related field.

• Demonstrated experience in job development for low-income individuals. Minimum one year.

• Experience providing vocational and educational support services to families preferred.

• Ability to complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

• Ability to work effectively within a team.

• Skilled in the use of a computer (word, excel, email, internet) and date entry.

• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver's license.

• Must have access to a reliable, insured and registered automobile.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to the Manager Employment Services.

• Indirectly reports to Senior Manager of Employment and Stabilization Services.

• Direct reports of this position are None.

• Indirect reports of this position are None.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel across the Metrowest area via personal vehicle

• Must be able to transport clients in personal vehicle and accompany to appointments/interviews

• Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period

• Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork

WORKING CONDITIONS

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Employment Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace

Mondy - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

35 Hours per week