PA Berks County- EARN Employment Specialist

Edsi-9; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

EDSI is seeking an Employment Specialist to support participants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment and career development services. The role focuses on employer engagement, job development, and facilitating job placement while maintaining accurate documentation of interactions in accordance with EARN program requirements.

The position involves relationship-building with employers, delivering employment readiness activities, conducting mock interviews, and guiding participants

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business, Education, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in workforce development or employment services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to travel locally and maintain professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, workforce partners, and community organizations.
• Identify job opportunities that align with participant skills and career goals.
• Conduct outreach to employers and maintain an active job bank.
• Provide job coaching, mock interviews, and employment readiness workshops.
• Document outcomes and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Skills

Employer engagement

Job development

Communication

Documentation

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data management systems

Job description

Job Description:Title: EARN Employment SpecialistClassification: Non-ExemptSalary: $45,000Scope of PositionThe EARN Employment Specialist supports participants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment and career development services. This position is responsible for developing relationships with employers, assisting participants with employment readiness activities, facilitating job placement, supporting employment retention efforts, and ensuring accurate documentation of participant and employer interactions in accordance with EARN program requirements.Essential FunctionsEmployer Engagement and Job DevelopmentDevelop and maintain relationships with local employers, workforce partners, and community organizations.Identify employment opportunities that align with participant skills, interests, and career goals.Conduct outreach to prospective employers to develop job leads and employment opportunities for EARN participants.Maintain an active job bank with current position descriptions and hiring information.Serve as a liaison between employers and participants throughout the recruitment and hiring process.Gather labor market information and industry trends to support participant employment planning.Promote EARN services to employers and community partners.Assess participant employment readiness, work history, skills, strengths, and barriers to employment.Assist participants in developing individualized employment and career goals.Conduct mock interviews and provide constructive feedback to improve interview skills.Facilitate and support employment readiness workshops and group activities.Provide individualized job coaching and guidance to support successful employment outcomes.Collaborate with Case Managers and other program staff to support participants in addressing employment barriers.Conduct follow-up activities with participants and employers to support employment retention.Assist participants in resolving employment-related challenges that may impact job retention.Monitor and document employment outcomes and retention milestones.Ensure compliance with EARN policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and performance standards.Work collaboratively with Case Managers, Instructors, Job Developers, Program Leadership, and community partners.Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.Assist with special projects, recruitment events, job fairs, workshops, and other program activities as needed.Support overall program performance goals and continuous quality improvement efforts.Perform other duties as assigned.Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business, Human Resources, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.Minimum of one to three years of experience in workforce development, employment services, job development, recruiting, sales, human services, or a related field preferred.Experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment is preferred.Strong interpersonal, communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.Ability to engage effectively with employers, participants, community partners, and team members.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data management systems.Ability to maintain accurate documentation and meet established deadlines.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel locally as required.Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a positive, customer-centered approachPerformance ExpectationsMeet or exceed program goals related to participant engagement, employment placements, retention outcomes, employer development, and documentation compliance.Maintain positive working relationships with employers, participants, and community partners.Ensure timely and accurate completion of all required documentation and reporting.Demonstrate commitment to EARN program values, participant success, and continuous improvement.EDSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.