What are the responsibilities and job description for the Career Services Specialist position at Covenant House Texas?
Career Service Specialist
Primary Function:
In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, develops job opportunities for youth in the program, serves as a liaison between the business community and the agency, and creates and oversees service plans for designated youth. The Career Service Specialist utilizes the Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment with young adults ages 18-24 who have experienced trauma. The Career Service Specialist works with the client to promote recovery and wellness through placement and support in meaningful employment that aligns with the client's preferences and strengths.
Specific Responsibilities: -
Primary Function:
In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, develops job opportunities for youth in the program, serves as a liaison between the business community and the agency, and creates and oversees service plans for designated youth. The Career Service Specialist utilizes the Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment with young adults ages 18-24 who have experienced trauma. The Career Service Specialist works with the client to promote recovery and wellness through placement and support in meaningful employment that aligns with the client's preferences and strengths.
Specific Responsibilities: -
- Assesses clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
- Provides individualized follow-along support to assist clients in maintaining employment.
- Writes job support plans with clients and incorporates input from a larger client-centered team. Adjusts plan according to the client's needs and preferences.
- Participates in weekly meetings with the team and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate and integrate vocational services into other CHT services.
- Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of the IPS-supported employment model.
- Conducts weekly employer contacts that are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position. Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
- Provides timely interventions and outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from services.
- Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
- Provides training by engaging clients in collaborative relationships directed toward job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview skills, and presentation skills, accessing resources in the community, acquiring appropriate pre-employment skills, and long-term career planning and development.
- Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporates input from the team and/or family members, with permission.
- Develops relationships with employers by learning about their businesses, hiring needs, practices, and hiring preferences.
- Utilizes good client interviewing skills in order to learn about individual preferences, past experiences, hopes, and concerns regarding employment.
- Utilizes a strengths-based approach when serving clients by recognizing each person’s skills and experiences.
- Transports clients around in the community, on occasion, to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, and to work.
- Provides supported education, using principles of supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
- Maintain client’s records in the ETO (Efforts to Outcome) and HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) database system.
- Must complete 32 hours of training per calendar year.
- Other projects or job duties as assigned by the supervisor,
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or equivalent preferred.
- At least three years experience working with youth, preferably homeless and at-risk youth, and a minimum of two years’ job development and/or case management experience.
- One year of experience working with the Individual Placement and Support Model. (IPS)
- Experience working with clients that have a history of mental health.
- Knowledge of assistance and/or barriers associated with the employment of at-risk youth.
- Knowledge of community resources, particularly those available to youth, and of the city’s employment trends as it relates to this population
- Good oral, written, and communication skills, and excellent computer skills.
- All candidates must be able to work with a diverse population
- Must have a calm, even temperament and think quickly.
- Must be dependable, able to work a flexible schedule, if necessary, and report to work in a timely manner
- Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier.
- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Must be able to climb stairs
- Must be able to push or pull light objects up to 25 lbs. (such as file drawers or boxes)
- Must be able to do repetitive finger or wrist movement (computer or calculator)
- Must be able to work with distractions and interruptions; concentrate (job-required attention) over an extended period of time.
Covenant House Texas is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered unless an exemption has been requested and approved.