Career Empowerment Specialist

Columbus House; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 3,513,000 - 3,788,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Columbus House in New Haven, CT, is seeking an Employment Specialist to help consumers obtain employment by building job opportunities and running the Employment Enrichment Center (EEC) program. The role emphasizes empowerment, skill-building, and coordination with Case Managers and employers.

The position supports residents in achieving financial independence, including transportation to interviews when needed, with duties that require strong organization and compassionate service delivery.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a deadline‑oriented mindset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills employing the English language.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other common desktop and online applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively navigate substance abuse, mental health, and social services networks.
• Familiar with criminal justice barriers and able to engage, motivate, and support the individuals serviced.
• Familiar with mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues and group dynamics
• Basic knowledge of all aspects of the delivery of person‑centered case management
• Able to meet all documentation requirements within set timeframes.
• Knowledgeable of crisis intervention, boundaries, confidentiality, universal precautions, risk assessment, and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to create professional and respectful relationships with clients, outside providers, employers, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide linkage to resources for clients who may be at risk of eviction, in addition to community resources for social, mental health, educational, vocational, entitlements/benefits, and or substance abuse services.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with individuals served.
• Able to advocate for clients as well as support self-advocacy.
• Must be able to set and maintain boundaries and adhere to confidentiality.
• May provide transportation to job interviews for clients at the discretion of the Employment Specialist on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Case Managers, other agencies.
• Develop mutually relationships with employers and assist those consumers that might need further assistance for retention purposes.
• Ability to understand and accept different backgrounds while providing a non-judgmental approach to rendering services.
• Attending weekly and monthly agency, program and network meetings with Case Managers.
• Temporary Case Load coverage as determined by program needs.
• Monitor all cases assigned and complete all documentation/charting required by Columbus House
• Expected to complete a variety of high‑quality documentation (CARF Accredited, DHMAS funded, Etc.)
• Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) or ability to become proficient in database systems.
• Create strength‑based person‑centered service plans.
• Complete all required assessments both electronic and in written form.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Organization

MS Office

HMIS knowledge

Driver's license

Job description

Columbus House in New Haven, CT, is seeking an Employment Specialist to help consumers obtain employment by building job opportunities and running the Employment Enrichment Center (EEC) program. The role emphasizes empowerment, skill-building, and coordination with Case Managers and employers.

The position supports residents in achieving financial independence, including transportation to interviews when needed, with duties that require strong organization and compassionate service delivery.