Supported Employment Specialist

Caritas of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO 20 days

Paid holidays

403(b) match

Mileage reimbursement

Phone stipend

Discounted memberships

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Caritas of Austin seeks a full-time Supported Employment Specialist to deliver employment services to clients who have experienced homelessness. You will develop customized employment plans and coordinate with staff to place clients in suitable roles, while maintaining detailed client records in HMIS.

The role includes transporting clients to appointments, assisting with financial assistance requests, and complying with funder requirements. A Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, human resources, social work, psychology, sociology, education or related field.
• Master’s Degree is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and typical office equipment.
• Experience using client database systems (HMIS) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform intake and assessment of clients referred to the program.
• Develop individualized employment and self-sufficiency service plans.
• Refer clients to jobs, assist with applications, and support placements.
• Coach clients on interviewing, resume writing, and vocational training.
• Coordinate services with other Caritas programs and community partners.
• Maintain accurate client files and documentation in HMIS.

Skills

Career services

Job coaching

Interviewing skills

Resume writing

Client needs assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree (business admin, HR, social work, psychology, sociology, education)

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HMIS database

Job description

Supported Employment Specialist

Department: Programs

Reports To: Employment Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Position Summary

This is a full‑time grant funded position and is contingent upon renewal of the grants. The SES is responsible for all aspects of service delivery to individuals referred to in the Supported Employment Program. This includes development of customized employment plans for individuals and placing them in the most appropriate employment setting. This position will be serving a vulnerable population who have experienced homelessness and requires the SES to work closely with staff and community agencies to coordinate additional services. Besides providing employment services, the SES will approve the individuals for employment related financial assistance and perform other duties as assigned. This position requires maintenance of client files with detailed documentation of service delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):

Employment Services

• Conducts intake & assessment.
• Develops structured individual employment and self‑sufficiency service plan for each client, addressing and assisting clients to recognize their interests, strengths, needs, deficits, and goals towards employment.
• Makes job referrals, assists with job applications, and facilitates job placements and job upgrades.
• Trains clients in effective interviewing skills, resume writing, vocational trainings and job coaching.
• Provides information to clients about educational opportunities, including vocational and training programs and college courses relevant to client goals.
• Collaborates with the Employment team and Case Managers in identifying appropriate jobs for clients.
• Prepares and submits client assistance check requests for eligible clients.
• Conducts employment services follow‑up as required by grants.
• Coordinates client services with other Caritas programs and service providers.
• Comply with funding source guidelines and requirements.
• Maintains on‑going interactions with employers and education agencies while recruiting new ones to match clients’ employment and education needs.
• Consistently and accurately completes data entry of client information using the agency and HMIS database systems.
• Maintains client cases with required forms, Employment Service Plan, case notes, and client assistance check request documentation.
• Maintains detailed case notes in all files that provide accurate and complete description of services provided to clients as well as clients’ involvement in the case plan.
• Compiles monthly/quarterly reports as requested by Employment Program Manager.
• Transport clients to employment‑related appointments, interviews, trainings, and other program‑related activities as needed.
• Responds to individual client concerns with accurate information in a respectful, effective and timely manner.
• Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Financial Assistance

• Conducts intake and assessment of clients for employment services.
• Maintains files with records of relevant financial assistance, intake, assessment, payments, and other required documents and closes files in a timely manner.
• Refers clients to other programs if there is an unmet need.
• Completes data entry of financial assistance (e.g., vocational trainings) provided to each client.
• Completes other tasks related to financial services (e.g. employment attire and supplies as assigned by supervisor.

Organizational Support Functions

• Follows employee policies and procedures.
• Complies with timely reporting requirements e.g. weekly basis for new clients, monthly basis for employed clients, and as needed for other services and follow‑up class attendants, appointments, etc.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Participates in and assists with organization planning and training functions.
• Comply with administrative procedures, reporting and record keeping policies.
• Supports Caritas goals and values.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Develops an approved plan for professional development.
• Treats clients, staff, and the general public with courtesy and respect.

Qualifications

Education

• Required – Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one or more of the following areas: business administration, human resources, social work, psychology, sociology, education, and other business and/or human services related fields.
• Preferred – Master’s Degree.

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience providing career services, people development and working with diverse populations and clients with barriers.

Computer Skills

• Required – High degree of familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and standard office equipment.
• Must be comfortable using client database systems.

Other Requirement(s)

• Must have the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain current auto liability insurance and be willing and able to transport client as needed for program services.
• Must have dependable transportation.

Salary/Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $46,491-$52,885, with final offer based on education and experience.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee‑only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• Time Off: 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Additional Perks: Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Application Requirement

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A detailed resume outlining relevant experience.
• A cover letter tailored to the position.
• A list of professional references.
• A fully completed application.

Applications missing any of these components will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the review process.

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.