Employment Specialist

Community Solutions; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Medical & dental plans

401(k) match

Job summary

We are seeking an Employment Specialist to join the Day Reporting Center in Santa Maria, CA. You will work with clients on parole to create realistic employment plans, connect them with job resources, and support their successful reentry into the community.

The role emphasizes collaboration with case managers and local employers, with a focus on facilitating meaningful outcomes and maintaining confidential client records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 3+ years of related experience.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with local job development and employment resources is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to assess needs and create individualized employment plans.
• Coach clients in using online job search tools and connect them with resources.
• Maintain a list of local job training programs, education centers, and services.
• Develop relationships with local schools, education centers, and Department of Labor services.
• Provide individual case management as needed.
• Maintain organized caseloads and confidential client files.
• Stay informed about CSI’s programs, policies, and procedures to offer best support.
• Perform other tasks to contribute to the DRC's overall success.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Case management

Employment resources

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: CA - Santa Maria DRC - Santa Maria, CA 93454, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelors Degree, Salary Range: $27.25 - $27.25 Hourly, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Various Shift Hours, Join Our Mission to Make a Lasting Impact!

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Location: Santa Maria, CA

Work Hours: M/T 12pm-8p, W/TH/F 9am-5pm

Pay Rate: $27.25 per hour

Company Overview

Community Solutions Inc. (CSI) is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting responsible citizenship, accountability, and the well‑being of individuals and families involved, or at risk of involvement, in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or criminal justice systems. Since 1962, CSI has pioneered community‑based services that deliver supervision, treatment, and individualized support, empowering clients to reintegrate successfully into society. From establishing the first halfway house in New England to expanding to almost 50 programs in 9 states, CSI remains at the forefront of social change, serving thousands of adults, youth, and families each year. For more information, visit www.csi-online.org.

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and driven Employment Specialist to join our team at the Day Reporting Center (DRC) in Santa Maria, CA. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in helping individuals on parole successfully reenter society. Our DRCs provide community‑based alternatives to incarceration, where clients work closely with case managers and employment specialists to develop meaningful goals and make positive changes in their lives.

If you are someone who believes in second chances and wants to help others achieve their potential, this role is for you!

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with clients to assess their needs and create individualized employment plans with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Coach clients in using online job search tools and connect them with employment resources.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive list of local job training programs, education centers, and employment services.
• Develop strong relationships with local schools, alternative education centers, and the Department of Labor Services.
• Provide individual case management as needed
• Maintain an organized caseload and client files while ensuring confidentiality.
• Stay informed about CSI’s programs, policies, and procedures to offer clients the best possible support.
• Contribute to the overall success of the DRC by performing other tasks as needed.

Qualifications: What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with local job development and employment resources is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Benefits

• Vacation: 2 weeks in the first year, 3 weeks after 1 year of service.
• Sick Leave: 7 days per year.
• Floating Holidays: 4 days per year.
• Comprehensive Medical and Dental plans.
• Voluntary vision, FSA, short‑term disability, accident, hospital, life insurance, and AD&D options.
• 401(k) plan with 100% company match up to 4% of your contribution.
• Tuition Reimbursement after 1 year of service.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

Why Join CSI?

At CSI, you’ll be part of a compassionate and forward‑thinking team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting long‑term community safety. As an Employment Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals as they work toward independence and stability after incarceration. If you are passionate about social justice, believe in people’s potential for growth, and want to be part of a team creating lasting change, this is the perfect role for you.

CSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Disability/Vet. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.