Employment Specialist

COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA

Job Description

Employment Specialist

Covenant House California (CHC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Program, and extended support services in Santa Clara County, CA. Drawing upon CHC’s 30+ years of experience serving young people, ages 18-24, staff will assist to develop a program that effectively meets the needs of young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in Santa Clara County. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are, and relentlessly engaging them so that they can fulfill their dreams.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Covenant House California in Santa Clara is expanding its support services, to include a new Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist will assist young people experiencing homelessness in building employment and education skills and opportunities that will forge pathways into new careers that offer sustainable wages, good benefits, and advancement opportunities. This position will work with residents and alumni of CHC who are between the ages of 18-24. Essential functions of the position around employment include job search coaching, job matching, development of internships for clients, networking in the business community, and development and maintenance of business partnerships. The Employment Specialist will also provide case management, ensure thorough documentation, and connect clients to GED/Education programs. As this work calls for much collaboration, the Employment Specialist will have a full range of supportive duties spanning coordination of the intern program, facilitating job search groups, dissemination of external materials for posting, field work with clients, teaching of job prep curriculum, establishing partnerships with other agencies, etc.

Shift: Full-Time 40 hours per week, non-exempt hourly

Salary Range: $23.50 per hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Case Management:

• Implement individualized plan that is created in conjunction with a client’s Primary Case Manager as it relates to employment. Provide 1:1 support as needed.
• Hold regular meetings with assigned clients to address progress and refine focus of search.
• Identify barriers that hinder employability; assist clients in resolving and mitigating barriers to employment by identifying the need for other services, supports and benefits.
• Coach youth on handling work-related issues, build agency and promote self-advocacy.
• Ensure ongoing communication with other CHC departments serving their clients. As assigned, position will attend CHC program trainings, daily residential transition meeting and case review meetings as necessary.

Classes and Workshops:

• Provide monthly job prep/career readiness workshops in areas of resume building, interviewing skills, communication, mock interviews, and employment retention.
• Coordination and facilitation of regular weekly, monthly and annual groups and events including, HOT JOBS group, Job Retention group, and CHC Job Fair.
• Coordinate “job search” field trips and facilitate individual or small group meetings with clients.

Documentation:

• Ensures that all client files are complete, current, and in compliance with standards and grant requirements. Update daily log and input data into ETO database.
• Create written employment plan for each client.

Job Search & Skills:

• Ensure each client has the tools and skills to properly search for and find work—including job search techniques (online and personal contact), computer skills (for submitting applications), résumé, job applications, cover letters, follow-up, interview skills, etc.
• Coordinate and post materials on external Job Fairs and applicable job listings for clients
• Coordinate and facilitate enrollment in educational/vocational training programs
• Coordinate and facilitate client incentives in employment

Outreach:

• Serve as liaison to external organizations promoting employment of youth
• Attend appropriate community events, to promote hiring of CHC youth.

Internship Program*:

• Oversee the on-site internship program including monitoring client’s progress and meeting with internship mentors on a weekly basis, overseeing payroll for clients in the internship program.
• Oversee off-site internship program once established through the Job Developer contacts.

*Serve as a backup support and share duties with other Specialists.

*All other duties as assigned by the Santa Clara Program Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree preferred, in field related to social services.

EXPERIENCE: 3 years of employment development experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, preferred.

SKILLS: Knowledge of adolescent development, community resources, and case management skills. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate with youth, staff, employers, and the public. Communication with and about youth must reflect a “strength based” and “trauma informed” approach. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

TRANSPORTATION: Preferably has a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable transportation and a good driving record, or the ability to navigate public transportation efficiently. Able to drive CHC vehicles, preferably.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Meal periods (non-paid) and breaks are required to be taken each shift. Any overtime must be pre-approved.

General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required. Full-Time 40 hours per week.

EQUIPMENT USED: Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effective both orally and in written form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work occasionally in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

COVID-19: All staff must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.