Employment Specialist

The Village is accredited by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Adoptions, Foster Care, Mental Health, Wraparound, and Drop-In Center services. We deliver evidenced-based behavioral health services to children, youth and adults, and has long been at the forefront of culturally sensitive foster care and adoption services.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist to join our team! This is an exciting opportunity to become part of team in a growing organization. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others,

The Employment Specialist will assist Transition Age Youth (TAY) presenting to our Drop-In Center throughout the employment process. The Village Family Services Drop-In Center provide slow-barrier, culturally competent, and trauma-informed services for TAY within the San Fernando Valley Service Area 2. The Drop-In Center staff is responsible for minimizing the psychological, physical, and social barriers that may deter TAY and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) TAY from seeking and accepting needed services and resources.

The Employment Specialist is the employment contract for homeless individuals ages 16-25 looking for employment. This individual will assist TAY with career development, job search, resume preparation, and interview coaching, and will develop employment opportunities by identifying work training programs and supported employment programs. Tracks, monitors, and reports employment outcomes and KPIs, including referrals, job readiness services, interviews, job placements, training enrollments, and employment retention to measure program effectiveness and successful TAY outcomes.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED required, and two years related experience preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a mental health, chemical dependency, social services, or non-profit field
• Basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet
• Experience with an electronic records system is highly desirable
• Valid CA Driver's License
• CPR &First Aid Certified or able to obtain within 30 days of hire
• Experience working with youth and young adults who have endured hardship or difficulties with chemical dependency
• Minimum 1 year of experience providing employment, workforce development, job readiness, or case management services, preferably working with TAY or individuals experiencing housing instability.
• Demonstrated ability to track, analyze, and report employment outcomes and KPIs, including referrals, job placements, employment retention, and other measurable participant outcomes.

All of the responsibilities listed below are considered essential functions of this position. Additionally, this position is expected to ensure adherence to the core operating values and the strategic direction of the agency.

• The Employment Specialist works 1-on-1 with clients to provide employment services with the goal that clients get ready for a job, find a job, and keep a job
• Responsible for a dedicated caseload, the successful candidate will have the ability to use independent judgment, exceptional organizational skills, and a willingness to incorporate emerging industry best practices and techniques in their work
• The Employment Specialist will establish new relationships with prospective employers who will employ our participants; maintain pre-existing relationships with employers who currently employ our participants; and effectively match program participants with employers and right-fit employment opportunities
• Employment Assessment & Referral:
  Identify unemployed TAY and assess employment needs, barriers, interests, skills, and career goals.
• Employment Service Linkage:
  Connect TAY to appropriate employment resources, including GAIN, START, workforce programs, vocational training, and community employment partners.
• Job Readiness Services:
  Provide individualized support with resumes, job applications, job searches, interview preparation, mock interviews, and workplace readiness.
• Employer & Community Partnerships:
  Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce programs, training providers, and community organizations to expand employment opportunities for TAY.
• Employment Follow-Up & Retention:
  Follow up with TAY after referrals and job placement to track…