Employment Specialist

COME CREATE IMPACT WITH US
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Downtown Streets Team (DST) is non-profit organization with a mission to successfully support unhoused individuals in transitioning into self-sufficiency. We do this work in two core program models which operate in over 20 communities across Northern California. Our volunteer program model supports individuals experiencing homelessness by offering the guidance of Case Managers and Employment Specialists, providing a stipend for basic needs, and fostering a sense of community through neighborhood beautification volunteering. To further support individuals in their pursuit of self-sufficiency Streets Team Enterprises (STE) offers a transitional employment opportunity with the continued care of dedicated Case Managers and Employment Specialists.

SUMMARY:
The Employment Specialist will work directly with program participants to navigate services and help them reduce the barriers to employment. We are looking for candidates who can manage multiple priorities with strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The position will travel between their respective community with a standing office in any of those cities depending on availability.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Travel between the following communities Napa, Fairfield and Vallejo will be constant part of the day to day operations
• Maintain and develop relationships with employers resulting in pipelines for future Team Members and STE Employees
• Report on employment retention at three, six and twelve month intervals for each employment placement
• Facilitate employment curriculum at each site four times a year
• Coordinate and run employment application events with staff and volunteers
• Market Downtown Streets Team to the community
• Build partnerships with local agencies to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing opportunities for Team Members.
• Collaborate with businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to increase and improve employment prospects for Team Members
• Present new services and opportunities to entire Team at designated Employment Specialist section in weekly Success Team Meetings
• Track success metrics and input data into online systems such as HMIS
• Establish productive relationships with each and every Team Member with no bias or prejudice towards race, religion, age, sex, disability, or sexual preference
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills, while managing priorities and workflow
• Uphold organizational values, work ethically and with integrity and follow company policies as laid out in handbooks

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delegate your schedule to be able to support each community equally
• Effectively maintain established Employment Development programs
• Create and deliver new Employment Development programs to enhance Downtown Streets Team’s offerings
• Assist Team Members in the creation of resumes and other job search collateral
• Find creative ways to increase job opportunities
• Develop and support long-term career goals for Team Members and track progress
• Facilitate Job Search Skills classes, and conduct Apply-a-Thons while engaging corporate volunteers
• Help develop additional workshops to enhance empowerment and soft skills
• Help ensure that Team Members have long-term success by targeting a high retention rate (jobs held for one year)
• Represent the agency in the community and work with all partner organizations to achieve client goals
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager and assist with special projects as required

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to perform job duties with minimal supervision
• Excellent listening comprehension, written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in Microsoft programs
• Using personal computer, keyboard, mouse and monitor
• Observation and problem solving; hearing, seeing, reasoning and decision making.
• Basic mathematical ability
• Valid CDL, insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
• Regional travel 60% is required
• Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• Driving an insured and operational vehicle to designated communities (60% or job)
• Employee can be based out of any of the communities they will be serving

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A chance to positively impact your community on one of the biggest domestic challenges of the day
• Competitive nonprofit compensation
• Annual company cost-of-living increase
• Up to 90% employer paid medical coverage, and fully paid dental, vision and life insurance coverage for employees, with FSA and HSA health plans available
• 401k with up to 6% company match, after one year
• 15 days off PTO, increasing with tenure
• Over 10 paid holidays annually
• Paid company closure for five days during the summer
• Paid company closure between Christmas and New Year
• Day off on your birthday
• One month paid sabbatical after five years, not charging PTO
• Internal growth opportunities
• Access to professional development resources and reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
We thrive as an organization when unique identities, experiences & perspectives are represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
COVID
Downtown Streets Team does have a vaccination policy that requires employees to prove that they have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.
WE HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER JOING US TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY.