Employment Specialist

Job Summary

The Employment Specialist collaborates with DCARA’s mission to empower Deaf
* job seekers by providing resources and tools in partnership with the Employment Development Department (EDD). This role focuses on supporting clients in securing and maintaining employment, enhancing job readiness, and fostering opportunities for career growth.

Direct Client Services

• Minimum of three days per-week on-site presence required
• Provide one-on-one Job Search Skills Training (JSST) for increased job hire potential.
• Actively recruit prospective clients through outreach methods like fliers, vlogs, and brochures.
• Determine client eligibility and assist with enrollment using CalJOBS and Salesforce.
• Translate written documents into ASL, including hiring documents and state benefits information.
• Assist clients with career exploration tools and provide resumé-building resources.
• Conduct mock interviews and job readiness sessions.
• Support clients with job referrals, placement, and document translations.

Job Retention Services

• Conduct quarterly follow-ups with employed clients to ensure job retention.
• Refer clients with job retention challenges to Advocacy Services.
• Assist clients with job-related communication needs and emergencies.

Employer Relations

• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with employers.
• Educate employers on the employability of Deaf
  * clients.

Documentation Duties

• Organize and update case files using Salesforce and CalJOBS.
• Submit monthly reports to EDD and maintain statistical data.

Workshops & Training

• Provide public workshops on employment awareness and job seekers’ self-advocacy.
• Conduct presentations and training sessions on employment topics.

Other Job Functions

• Provide services under DCARA’s Deaf Support Services (DSS).
• Promote Deaf at Work employment-related awareness workshops to the public twice a year.
• Provide training on self-advocacy, reasonable accommodations, and interpreting services to job seekers and employers.
• Act as a liaison between the employment industry and DCARA.
• Assist with organizing and presenting employment workshops for clients, both in-person and virtually.
• Schedule interpreters and communication assistance as needed.
• Travel to client appointments and external meetings as required.
• Support the agency and community with other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director.

• AA degree or equivalent experience.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in job placement, vocational rehabilitation, or related field.
• Proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledgeable about Deaf
  * culture.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills with diverse populations.

• BA degree preferred.
• Knowledge of social justice issues affecting the Deaf
  * community.
• Cultural competence working within the Deaf
  * community.

• Employee Full Coverage:
  Health, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Optional to add members at competitive rates
• Life Insurance
• Paid Benefits
  • Twelve (12) Holidays
  • Generous Sick Leave
  • Competitive Vacation Package
  • Weekly Wellbeing Hour

This is a primarily in-person position. Must be based within commuting distance of Concord for three mandatory in-office days per week. Remote work is only permitted when approved for specific situations and is not a standard benefit. Applicants must live within the Bay Area and be available to meet with clients on short notice. This is a client-facing role requiring regular on-site presence.

Our workplace culture is a fun, challenging, and caring working environment where you can grow your career. We work together by being inclusive to everyone - including ideas, of people, of points of view. Individually, we are experts at what we do. Collectively, our impact is even greater. You’ll find some of the best and most satisfied staff working for the agency.

At DCARA, you will be able to use your experiences, abilities, creativity, and energy to work and discover the talents within yourself as you enrich the lives of Deaf* (Deaf, Deaf Blind, Deaf with disabilities, hard…