Employment Specialist, CRED

Title:

Employment Specialist

Location:

Supervised Release Service Center (Bronx), 3230 Third Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451
Position Type:
Full‑Time, Non‑Exempt
Salary Range: $34.07–$36.82 per hour (~$62,000–$67,000 annually)

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (some evenings and weekends may be required)

The Employment Specialist connects and places participants in high-quality, paid work experience positions, primarily serving individuals under the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s CRED program. The role involves counseling, resume development, employer engagement, job placement, and ongoing support to ensure successful retention.

• Conduct one‑on‑one employment counseling sessions to assess skills, interests, and employment goals; develop personalized job search strategies and career development plans.
• Assist participants with editing resumes, cover letters, and interview techniques; support them at on‑site and off‑site job/resource fairs.
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, identify job openings and create employer engagement events to increase placement opportunities.
• Match participants to suitable job openings, support clients through the hiring process, and assist Case Managers with post‑placement retention verification.
• Track and evaluate the placement process and outcomes; maintain accurate records in the database and generate reports on placement activity, performance metrics, and market trends.
• Provide post‑placement support to ensure retention, monitor job progress, and connect clients with relevant resources as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of participants' interactions, job placements, and outcomes; prepare reports and statistics on employment services provided.
• Stay informed about labor market trends, job‑search techniques, and employment resources; participate in internal and external training and professional development opportunities.
• Educate employers on the socioeconomic advantages of hiring from Fortune’s candidate pool and cite relevant employment statistics.
• Attend workforce networking events and training workshops; model safe and positive workplace behavior.
• Utilize trauma‑informed practices to support participants and establish constructive relationships.
• Participate in collaborative team meetings to assess progress and develop individualized placement plans.
• Continuously engage in professional development opportunities, including trainings, skill practice, coaching, and feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree in business, sociology, social work, criminal justice, public administration, or equivalent life/professional experience.
• Minimum of three years of successful, relevant experience serving system‑impacted individuals with job development, employer engagement, and recruitment, especially in construction, building maintenance, social services, and customer service/retail.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Strong communication skills to liaise interdepartmentally and with community partners, employers, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of up‑to‑date labor market trends and resources a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Office 365).
• Ability to work independently and on a team in a fast‑paced environment with varying demands.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Experience or desire to work with a diverse population.

Travel to Long Island City office, other Fortune offices, employer sites, job fairs, conferences, and other relevant events.

The duties require occasional travel and the use of a computer for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status, or marital status.