What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterans Employment Specialist - Eastern Region position at VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA MICHIGAN INC?
This position provides intensive 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 combines Veteran 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.