Career Development Specialist - SC/ Southeast Communities - SC/CIS Pasadena-11-330

The Salvation Army Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Career Development Specialist to support veteran employment services. This role focuses on outreach, assessment, and case management to help unemployed and underemployed veterans find job placements.

You will work collaboratively with partners, track placements, and provide essential job-readiness skills. A valid California Class C driver license and experience in homeless services are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in homeless services.
• At least 2 years of experience in job placement.
• Willingness to undergo extensive criminal background check.
• Valid California Class C driver license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to connect with unemployed and underemployed veterans.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and employers.
• Provide analysis and presentation to the CIS Director.
• Track veterans from enrollment through placement.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of vocational development planning

Salesforce skills

Microsoft Office experience

Job description

Position Summary

The Veteran Employment Services (VES) program within the Community Integration Services (CIS) Department supports veterans in finding employment. The Career Development Specialist (CDS) reports to the VES Program Manager, provides outreach, assessment, and case management, and is responsible for enrolling unemployed and underemployed veterans and exceeding placement and retention goals.

Essential Functions

• Enter data accurately and timely into program systems.
• Conduct outreach to connect with unemployed and underemployed veterans, including homeless and high‑barrier participants.
• Build and maintain relationships with public and private partners and employers to exchange referrals.
• Submit monthly success stories to the Program Manager.
• Meet quarterly enrollment and placement benchmarks (20 enrollments/17 placements).
• Provide analysis and presentation to the CIS Director when benchmarks are missed.
• Deliver or refer veterans to resume‑building presentations or EDD workshops.
• Track veterans from enrollment through placement.
• Monitor community presentations, job fairs, and workshops for effectiveness.
• Focus on core program goal: placement of veterans.
• Strengthen job‑readiness skills through one‑on‑one and group sessions (job search, applications, resume writing, interviewing, follow‑up).
• Provide post‑placement follow‑up and support.
• Motivate and encourage clients toward their goals.
• Collaborate with multidimensional team (housing, mental health, social work) to support client goals.
• Serve as recruiting specialist, advocating for clients by matching IEPs to employers.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend training as assigned.
• Complete all data entry and reporting by target dates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist intermittently or continuously; grasp/push/pull objects such as files; use computer, fax, and telephone; lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in homeless services.
• At least 2 years of experience in job placement.
• Driving record and MVR check.
• Valid California Class C driver license.
• Willingness to undergo extensive criminal background check.
• 2 years of Microsoft Office experience.
• Willingness to travel to Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles County.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the Salvation Army and CIS mission.
• Veteran status is a plus.
• Ability to work well with others and commitment to excellence.
• Represent the Salvation Army to employers and community organizations.
• Familiarity with vocational development planning.
• Strong diligence in documentation and daily activities.
• Excellent computer, internet, and Salesforce skills; know Google Docs.
• Excellent communication skills.