Employment Specialist

Newport News, United States | Posted on 07/29/2026

FUNDING NOTICE:
This position is funded by grants and other agency fundsand will require additional responsibilities as directed by the supervisor,department director or COO.This position will be reviewed by March 31 st annually to determine funding availability in the new fiscal year beginning July 1 st annually. WORKING

SCHEDULE:

This position isdesignated as essential and will be required to report to the office during inclement weather. The coach will be issued a mobile device to manageday, evening, and weekend programming at various agency sites and access to anagency vehicle. This position will also be responsible for attending early morning, evening, and weekend events as assigned. SUMMARY

Performs social work, mobility case management and employment services for individuals and families served by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), a regional Community Action Agency.

This position involves serving as a subject matter expert, a coach that will utilize the Whole Family Approach model, counseling and assessing the needs of individuals and families, coordinating the provision of needed services, and maintaining case records (paper and electronic). This position is responsible for cross-training with other agency programs and services toensure that individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by providing services and connecting to various Service Provider Network programs and alllocal Departments of Social Services served by the HRCAP.

DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN EMPLOYMENT COACH/COUNSELOR

• Establish new employer relationships and maintain existing relationships with employers to secure unsubsidized employment.
• Developwork sites for individuals enrolled in HRCAP work experience programs.
• Teach weekly job readiness classes.
• Administer various vocational assessments to include: personality assessments, interest assessments, aptitude and skills assessments, work values assessments and transferable skills assessments.
• Screen sand match individuals with employment opportunities based on skill, work experience, hobbies, and interests.
• Coordinate transportation services for individuals attending meetings as requested.
• Provide travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all customers.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages intense caseload and coordinates internal and external services for assigned families.
  
  Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assess needs of household sand determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients regularly,assigns clients to activities aligned with individual and household development plans.
• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using EmpowOR Client Management System.
• Establishes and monitors individual and household development plan goals through information and assessment of client background.
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reason and needfor assistance.
• Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
• Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential Workforce Development Programs.
• Processes intake applications for necessary community resources and diversion.
• Coordinate sand participates in out of office visits with family members and other professionals.
• Prepares referrals for families requiring assistance; collaborates with Service Provider Network and other agencies or professionals as needed.
• Maintains current listing community resources in empowOR.
• Prepares and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions with clients by entering data into empowOR Client Management System.
• Prepares and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client activity reports, service plans, assessment instruments, needs assessments,purchase orders, invoices, applications, funding reports, charts, or other documents.
• Operates several technology tools (desktop, laptop, tablet, cellphone, hotspot, etc.) toenter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data andmakes corrections.
• UtilizeMS Office, empowOR Client Management System, e-mail, internet, other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment,such as replacing paper, ink, or toner.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members,companion aides, Newport News Human Services, government agencies, counselors,medical provides, law enforcement personnel, court…