Employment Specialist

CAN; Catonsville (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Wellness resources

Opportunity for advancement

Competitive salary

Job summary

Community Assistance Network (CAN) is seeking an Employment Specialist to support shelter residents in achieving self-sufficiency through employment readiness, income development, benefits navigation, housing stabilization, and connection to community resources.

You will work with Case Managers, Behavioral Health providers, and partners to remove barriers and promote transitions from shelter to permanent housing.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in human services or related field.
• Two years of experience in workforce development or related services.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct employment assessments and identify resident goals and barriers.
• Assist residents with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job search activities.
• Facilitate employment readiness workshops and coordinate with employers and training providers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, and workforce development organizations.
• Assist residents in securing employment, vocational training, apprenticeships, or educational opportunities.

Skills

Workforce development

Homelessness

Public assistance programs

Confidentiality

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Workforce Development, Business, or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Benefits:

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Summary/Objective

The Employment Specialist supports shelter residents in achieving self-sufficiency through employment readiness, income development, benefits navigation, housing stabilization, and connection to community resources. This position serves as a bridge between emergency shelter services and long-term stability by helping residents develop individualized action plans focused on employment, income growth, housing goals, and community integration. The Specialist works collaboratively with Case Managers, Behavioral Health providers, and community partners to remove barriers and promote successful transitions from shelter to permanent housing.

Essential Functions Employment & Workforce Development

• Conduct employment assessments and identify resident strengths, barriers, and career goals.
• Assist residents with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job search activities.
• Facilitate employment readiness workshops and workforce development activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, workforce development organizations, and training providers.
• Assist residents in securing employment, vocational training, apprenticeships, or educational opportunities.

Housing Stability Support

• Collaborate with Case Managers to ensure employment and income goals support housing stabilization plans.
• Assist residents in obtaining documentation necessary for employment and housing placement.
• Support residents in addressing barriers that may impact housing retention and employment success.

Resource Coordination

• Connect residents with public benefits, financial literacy programs, transportation assistance, childcare resources, healthcare services, and other community supports.
• Maintain a current database of employment, educational, and community resources.
• Develop partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and service providers.

Resident Engagement

• Provide one-on-one coaching and goal planning.
• Encourage resident participation in services that support self-sufficiency.
• Monitor progress toward employment and stability goals.
• Conduct follow-up meetings and document outcomes.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate case notes and service records in HMIS and other agency databases.
• Ensure timely completion of required reports and documentation.
• Track employment placements, income increases, training completions, and other outcomes required by funders and agency leadership.

Community Outreach

• Represent CAN at job fairs, workforce development events, and community resource events.
• Develop collaborative relationships that increase opportunities for shelter residents.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of workforce development principles and employment services.
• Understanding of homelessness, housing instability, and barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Knowledge of local community resources and public assistance programs.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HMIS, and web-based systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Workforce Development, Business, or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in workforce development, employment services, case management, housing services, or related field.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

Success Measures

• Resident engagement and participation rates.
• Employment placements and retention.
• Increased resident income and benefits access.
• Resource partnership development.
• Housing stabilization outcomes.
• Timeliness and accuracy of documentation.Compliance with agency and funder requirements.

AAP/EEO Statement Community Assistance Network is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.