Veterans Employment Specialist - Eastern Region

Kids for the Future; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel 20%

Job summary

VOAMI in Detroit, MI is seeking a full-time Employment Counselor to provide intensive employment services to homeless Veterans and Veteran families, helping them overcome barriers and attain meaningful work.

Responsibilities include building trusting relationships using motivational interviewing, conducting assessments, developing Individual Employment Plans, coordinating with partners, and educating employers about incentives and wage subsidies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field or equivalent education/experience.
• Knowledge of mental health concerns.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with Veterans using motivational interviewing and person-centered approaches.
• Conduct assessments, develop Individual Employment Plans and employment goals.
• Coordinate case management with VOAMI staff and community partners.
• Develop relationships with employers, nonprofits, and government agencies to create opportunities.
• Provide employment-readiness training, job-search assistance, and support groups.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate records; educate employers about incentives and wage subsidies.
• Respond to crises and ensure compliance with policies and standards.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Counseling techniques

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

• Employee Type Full-Time
• Travel 20%
• Manage Others No

Description

This position providesintensive employment, case management, and supportive services to homeless Veterans and Veteran families, with the goal of helping clients overcome barriers, achieve stability, and obtain and maintain meaningful employment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Build trusting relationships with Veterans using motivational interviewing, strengths-based, person-centered, and basic counseling techniques.
• Conduct assessments, identify employment barriers, and develop Individual Employment Plans and employment goals.
• Coordinate case management and services with VOAMI staff, community organizations, and other program partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners to create employment opportunities for Veterans.
• Provide employment-readiness training, support groups, outreach, education, and ongoing job-search assistance.
• Monitor client progress, provide feedback, maintain accurate case and employment records, and manage required databases.
• Educate employers about Veteran hiring incentives, tax benefits, and wage subsidies.
• Respond appropriately to crises and use independent judgment when providing assessments, treatment planning, and support.
• Represent VOAMI professionally while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, program standards, and training requirements.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field (or equivalent education/experience), knowledge of mental health concerns, strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to work with diverse populations, and the ability to build effective employer relationships. The position requires a valid Michigan driver’s license, reliable transportation, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Overall, the role combinesVeteran outreach, supportive case management, employment counseling, community partnership development, and employer engagement to help homeless Veterans achieve self-sufficiency and long-term employment.

VOAMI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.