Employment Specialist

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance - HMO or PPO

Dental plans

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Employee Assistance Program

403(b) retirement savings matching

Extensive paid time-off (holidays, sck

Vacations

Job summary

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is seeking an Employment Specialist to provide evidence-based IPS employment services within the organization and community. You will manage a caseload, deliver person-centered, recovery-focused employment support, and collaborate with treatment teams to align employment and clinical plans.

Responsibilities include outreach, job development, coaching, resume help, and workshop facilitation, with emphasis on expanding opportunities and advocating for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must have and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of hire.
• Must meet organizational driving requirements and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Minimum one year of experience providing employment, case management, workforce development, or related human services support.
• Minimum one year of experience in employment services, preferably for individuals that may be disabled and homeless.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic services and support participant employment and self-sufficiency.
• Assesses participants' employment interests, skills, abilities, and barriers to employment.
• Provides case management and supportive services to help participants achieve employment-related goals.
• Develops individualized Employment Plans with participants and supports progress toward goals.
• Develops and facilitates employment readiness workshops, training sessions, and support groups.
• Assists participants with resume development, job search strategies, interview preparation, and applications.
• Provides ongoing employment coaching and support to promote job retention and career advancement.
• Advocates for participants and facilitates workplace accommodations when appropriate.
• Coordinates services with partner agencies to support participant success.
• Maintains employment resources, including job leads and training opportunities.

Skills

Case management

Job development

Employer engagement

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling

Job description

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days

Coalition Mission

The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, children, and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness throughout Colorado.

The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being, and stability of those it serves.

Our Philosophy of Service

We believe all people have the right to adequate housing and health care. We work to remove the barriers that restrict access to these rights. Society benefits when adequate housing and healthcare are available to everyone.

We Create Lasting Solutions To Homelessness By

• Honoring the inherent dignity of those we serve, affirming their capabilities, and fostering their hope that a better life is possible;
• Building strong, caring, and trauma-informed communities through the integration of housing, health care, and supportive services;
• Advocating for social and racial equity, inclusion, and diversity and challenging the status quo in partnership with our workforce members and those we serve;
• Achieving excellence through continuous quality assurance, innovation, and professional development;
• Using resources judiciously and effectively.

Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist, part of the Coalition's Employment Services team, provides evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services to participants within the CCH system and community, especially those at risk of homelessness. This role manages a caseload, delivering person-centered, recovery-focused employment services to help participants identify strengths, set vocational goals, find and keep competitive jobs, and overcome barriers. Working with CCH treatment teams, the Specialist aligns employment and clinical plans. Responsibilities include community outreach, job development, employer engagement, coaching, related support services, documentation, data collection, and special projects. The role involves community-based efforts to build employer partnerships and expand job opportunities. While IPS experience is preferred, training is provided.

Duties/Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic services and support participant employment and self-sufficiency.
• Assesses participants' employment interests, skills, abilities, and barriers to employment.
• Provides case management and supportive services to help participants achieve employment-related goals.
• Develops individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) with participants and supports progress toward established goals and objectives.
• Develops and facilitates employment readiness workshops, training sessions, and support groups.
• Assists participants with resume development, job search strategies, interview preparation, and employment applications.
• Provides ongoing employment coaching, guidance, and support to promote job retention and career advancement.
• Advocates for participants and facilitates workplace accommodations when appropriate.
• Responds to participant crises and coordinates appropriate interventions, referrals, and support services.
• Completes required documentation, case notes, reports, and data entry accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintains current knowledge of community resources, service providers, and workforce development opportunities.
• Coordinates services with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and other partner agencies to support participant success.
• Develops and maintains relationships with employers, community organizations, and referral partners to expand employment opportunities for participants.
• Conducts outreach and meets with participants, referral sources, employers, and community partners in office and community settings.
• Maintains, updates, and distributes employment resources, including job leads, training opportunities, and workforce information.
• Participates in staff meetings, organizational committees, trainings, and community partnership meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Licensure, and Certifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Must have and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

Must meet organizational driving requirements and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record

Experience

Minimum one (1) year of experience providing employment, case management, workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, or related human services support.

Minimum one (1) year of experience in the provision of employment services, preferably to individuals that may be disabled and homeless preferred.

Two (2) years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other barriers to employment preferred.

Coalition Benefits

We offer a full suite of benefits for our eligible employees and their dependents. We’re proud to offer same-and opposite-sex domestic partner coverage.

• Health Insurance - HMO or PPO
• Dental plans, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurance
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) retirement savings matching,
• Extensive paid time-off, including holidays, sick leave, and vacation

The effective date for your benefits will be the first of the month following your date of hire.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. CCH is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any characteristic protected by law.