What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp?
Scheduled Work Times/Locations:
Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM; flexibility for nights and weekends are required.
Location: 76 Pliny Street Hartford, CT 06120
Job Summary:
The Employment Specialist will work to support the Mission of My Sisters’ Place which is committed to ending homelessness and empowering women, families, and others in Greater Hartford to achieve independence and stability in their communities by providing housing and supportive services. The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting clients towards obtaining competitive employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. The ideal candidate will help clients think about long-term employment goals, work history, strengths, personal culture (as defined by each person), justice involvement, and other factors that relate to a current vocational goal.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conduct and coordinate Job Readiness Workshops, employment assessments, job placement, job development, and job search activities that are individualized to the interest and uniqueness of clients.
- Conduct field work, phone calls and meetings to develop employment opportunities.
- Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating the vocational needs of participants.
- Develop strong employer relationships to gain new resources and/or continue existing resources to create new works sites and resources.
- Develop an individual employment plan with tenant that is updated quarterly.
- Provide follow-along support to assist clients in maintaining employment.
- Establish and operate Computer Lab hours onsite to assist with resume writing, completing job applications, job search, etc.
- Maintain client files, employment logs and employer contacts for follow up.
- Serve as liaison with outside agencies, i.e., CT Works, Chamber of Commerce, Metro Alliance, and other social and vocational agencies on behalf of clients.
- Assist in maintaining a clean, safe environment including staff areas and agency vehicles.
- Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, seminars, and trainings as appropriate.
- Participates with planning activities for clients, program, and agency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field and at least two years’ experience in mental health or related field.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, make decisions, and have multi-tasking capability.
- Ability to function collaboratively as a team member.
- Creative and solution oriented problem solving skills.
- Basic/advanced Computer skills.
- Must be flexible and be willing to travel to various locations.
- Positive attitude.
Certificates and Licenses:
- Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.
Physical Demands
- The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits:
- $22 - $24.50 per hour, based on experience plus generous incentive compensation plan.
- Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 12 paid holidays.
Salary : $22 - $24