Employment Specialist

Socket.dev; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401 K retirement plan with employer

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Columbus House, Inc. is seeking an Employment Specialist to run the Employment Enrichment Center and expand job opportunities for clients in New Haven, CT. You will empower clients with skills to achieve financial independence and coordinate with multiple service partners.

The role involves detailed documentation, collaboration with case managers, and occasional transportation for interviews. The ideal candidate has strong communication, organization, and a compassionate approach to helping

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time management skills required.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, confidentiality, and risk assessment.
• Ability to build professional relationships with clients and partners.
• Familiar with HMIS or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Link clients to eviction prevention and social services.
• Communicate effectively with individuals served.
• Advocate for clients and support self-advocacy.
• Maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
• Coordinate with Case Managers and external agencies.
• Develop relationships with employers to support retention.
• Attend agency, program, and network meetings.
• Complete required documentation and assessments.
• Provide coverage for the Employment Enrichment Center program.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Written communication

Oral communication

Empathy and compassion

Boundary setting

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Columbus House, Inc.
Job Posting: Full Time (32 hours/week), FLSA Non-Exempt, Non-Essential
Employment Specialist

VEVRAA Federal Contractor: Priority Referrals of Protected Veterans Requested

Company Overview & Mission

Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 to provide services for men and women at least 18 years of age. Our goals quickly broadened from the mere provisionof food and shelter and simple survival, to understanding and working toward overcoming the problems which cause people to become homeless.

Columbus House, along with its core of loyal supporters, friends, and volunteers, has remained committed to fulfilling its mission:"To serve people experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk by providing life-saving outreach, shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. We advocate for and create affordable housing to end homelessness in our communities."

Purpose

Under the purview of the Employment and Benefits Manager, Employment Specialists assist consumers in obtaining employment by creating job opportunities in the community and/or furthering their career. The Employment Specialist will be responsible for running the Employment Enrichment Center (EEC) program and coordinating coverage. Employment Specialist works to empower and encourage consumers to reach financial independence by imparting relevant skills as necessary.

Duties and 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.

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.
• Empathetic and compassionate with individuals that have experienced homelessness and factors that lead to homelessness.
• Valid drivers’ license with a good driving history

Supervised by

Employment and Benefits Manager

Schedule

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Thursday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Salary range

$25.50-$27.50

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered along with other additional voluntary coverages with full-time employment
• 401 K retirement plan with employer matching contribution
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities Encouraged to Apply