Employment Specialist

Introduction

Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a non‑profit organization spanning four states that creates positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service. We provide housing for families, veterans, and low‑income seniors. We provide care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, healing accountability that brings people together with restorative justice, and free HIV testing and education.

When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, "volunteer" referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a commitment to a mission. Today, we are still staffed by paid, mission‑driven professionals working to create positive change and build thriving communities. Flexibility, teamwork, and fun are some of the reasons our employees are proud to work at VOA! We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees who meet eligibility requirements.

• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
• Health and Wellness Program
• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• Short Term Disability
• Met Life Legal Plans

• Competitive Compensation Packages
• Life Insurance (company paid)
• 403(b) retirement plan with company fund matching
• Employee discounts
• Loan forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Corp & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• All company paid benefits and paid time off effective day one

• Commitment Committee
• Justice Committee
• Integrity Committee
• Compassion Committee
• Retention Committee

Under direction works in assigned communities to identify and engage target populations of the grant (assists individuals recovering from a substance use disorder to end their crisis by seeking and obtaining employment) to encourage and direct their participation in the RRP Program.

• A high school diploma.
• Two years’ customer service experience.
• Knowledge of problems associated with target population (preferred).
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to effectively communicate with target population.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, judgment, discretion and honesty.
• Must learn and apply agency and program policies and procedures.

• Work independently and solve problems creatively.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Appropriate and professional telephone communication skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of all persons requesting assistance, the services requested, and the outcome of the request.
• Computer skills, including the capacity to use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and other programs to manage a high volume of detailed information and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships.
• Excellent time-management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of eligibility criteria and policies related to various federal and local public benefit programs.
• Remain non-judgmental, empathetic, and respectful of the individuals in recovery we serve.
• Work in grant coverage area and surrounding counties to identify target population of the grant (individuals in recovery from substance use disorder).
• Establish credibility with target population using a variety of communication and trust-building techniques.
• Assess and refer target population to social/vocational/educational services agencies, and area employers.
• Screen, refer, and enroll individuals in recovery into the RRP program.
• Recruit employers to serve as transformational employment sites.
• Recruit educational providers to serve as partners.
• Understand employer’s needs by learning about the business they perform and what they look for in an employee.
• Assess clients for compatible employment opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Ensure Volunteers of America’s positive public image when working with social service agencies, local businesses, community partners, etc.
• Familiar with other Volunteers of America programs and services.
• Model agency core values of integrity,…