Career Specialist

Career Specialist – OCC CJSC

Reports to:

Director, OCC Community Justice Support Center

Job Classification:
Non-Exempt

The Career Specialist is responsible for assisting participants with entering, reentering, improving and maintaining employment. The Career Specialist will conduct instructional groups and psycho-educational classes that address issues such as career interest areas, career planning, job availability, resume writing, interviewing skills, CORI issues, interview follow up, dressing to impress, and job retention. He/she will be familiar with community resources, networking and making referrals, documenting progress, and using various curricula, media outlets and service delivery methods.

The Specialist will demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.

• Perform basic assessments of participant work-readiness, career interests, and work history.
• Develop appropriate job opportunities for participants through employer outreach and networking.
• Assist participants who may pursue vocational training programs.
• Develop participant employment skills using available resources and identify additional needs.
• Work with clinical team to address participant strengths or barriers.
• Perform case management of the participants at the Center.
• Enter participant information (intake assessment, 30‑day reviews, CBI’s) into CIMS.
• Ensure accurate upkeep of participant files.
• Facilitate groups and classes as assigned.
• Maintain participant data on interviews, job offers, and placements (full‑time or part‑time).
• Monitor participant use of computer lab for job search activities.
• Issue and monitor completion of CBIs (Internal Discipline Behavioral Interventions) as needed.
• Assist participants to develop and achieve vocational goals.
• Collect and document urine screens as needed.
• Other duties as assigned or directed by the supervisor(s).
• Supervision of Personnel: NONE.
• Fiscal responsibility: adhere to fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, vouchers and employee expenses.
• Facility/Housekeeping responsibility: ensure cleanliness by cleaning and inspecting areas of responsibility.

• Attend all assigned meetings.
• Actively participate in the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Works effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and listens for understanding. Takes initiative to develop others and embraces new approaches. Sets goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and delivers high‑value experience.

• Bachelor’s degree required in counseling or related field.
• Good oral and written presentation skills.
• Experience working with adults, at‑risk populations, or offenders is preferred.
• Computer skills:
  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, MS Office.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Must submit and pass drug testing upon hire.
• A minimum of one evening shift per week is required; travel is required for meetings or trainings.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, drive and bend during the work day.

Must accept additional responsibilities as assigned.