Employment Specialist

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days

The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, children, and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness throughout Colorado.

The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being, and stability of those it serves.

We believe all people have the right to adequate housing and health care. We work to remove the barriers that restrict access to these rights. Society benefits when adequate housing and healthcare are available to everyone.

• Honoring the inherent dignity of those we serve, affirming their capabilities, and fostering their hope that a better life is possible;
• Building strong, caring, and trauma-informed communities through the integration of housing, health care, and supportive services;
• Advocating for social and racial equity, inclusion, and diversity and challenging the status quo in partnership with our workforce members and those we serve;
• Achieving excellence through continuous quality assurance, innovation, and professional development;
• Using resources judiciously and effectively.

The Employment Specialist, part of the Coalition's Employment Services team, provides evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services to participants within the CCH system and community, especially those at risk of homelessness. This role manages a caseload, delivering person-centered, recovery-focused employment services to help participants identify strengths, set vocational goals, find and keep competitive jobs, and overcome barriers. Working with CCH treatment teams, the Specialist aligns employment and clinical plans.

Responsibilities include community outreach, job development, employer engagement, coaching, related support services, documentation, data collection, and special projects. The role involves community-based efforts to build employer partnerships and expand job opportunities. While IPS experience is preferred, training is provided.

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic services and support participant employment and self-sufficiency.
• Assesses participants' employment interests, skills, abilities, and barriers to employment.
• Provides case management and supportive services to help participants achieve employment-related goals.
• Develops individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) with participants and supports progress toward established goals and objectives.
• Develops and facilitates employment readiness workshops, training sessions, and support groups.
• Assists participants with resume development, job search strategies, interview preparation, and employment applications.
• Provides ongoing employment coaching, guidance, and support to promote job retention and career advancement.
• Advocates for participants and facilitates workplace accommodations when appropriate.
• Responds to participant crises and coordinates appropriate interventions, referrals, and support services.
• Completes required documentation, case notes, reports, and data entry accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintains current knowledge of community resources, service providers, and workforce development opportunities.
• Coordinates services with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and other partner agencies to support participant success.
• Develops and maintains relationships with employers, community organizations, and referral partners to expand employment opportunities for participants.
• Conducts outreach and meets with participants, referral sources, employers, and community partners in office and community settings.
• Maintains, updates, and distributes employment resources, including job leads, training opportunities, and workforce information.
• Participates in staff meetings, organizational committees, trainings, and community partnership meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Must have and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License within…