Employment Specialist - Housing

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has served our community for over 100 years, providing support to individuals in vulnerable situations and working to foster independence and self‑sufficiency. The Employment Specialist plays a key role in helping participants transition into permanent housing and achieve employment stability.

Position: Employment Specialist Location: Rochester, NY Department: Housing Services Employment Type: Full‑Time, 40 hours Schedule: Monday to Friday Salary: $20.00‑$22.00

The Employment Specialist supports individuals experiencing homelessness or transitioning into permanent housing by providing individualized job‑readiness coaching, employment placement assistance, employer engagement, and ongoing retention support. The role collaborates closely with case managers, housing staff, community partners, and employers to help participants overcome employment barriers and build long‑term self‑sufficiency, while maintaining a trauma‑informed care environment.

• Conduct vocational assessments and identify participant strengths, interests, skills, and employment barriers.
• Develop individualized employment plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Provide job‑readiness training, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace communication, and job search strategies.
• Assist participants with online job applications, email setup, and digital literacy skills.
• Support clients in obtaining employment‑related documents such as identification, Social Security cards, work permits, and professional certifications.
• Provide ongoing coaching and encouragement to help participants maintain motivation and employment progress.

• Develop relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, training providers, and workforce development organizations.
• Match participants with appropriate job opportunities based on skills, interests, and readiness.
• Coordinate interviews, hiring events, and job fairs.
• Advocate with employers on behalf of participants when appropriate.
• Monitor participant employment retention and provide follow‑up support after placement.

• Collaborate closely with housing case managers, behavioral health providers, and external partners to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in agency databases and case management systems.
• Track employment outcomes, participant progress, and program performance metrics.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and program planning activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Support participants experiencing barriers related to housing instability, transportation, criminal justice involvement, mental health, substance use recovery, or gaps in employment history.
• Assist clients in accessing supportive services, training programs, clothing resources, transportation assistance, and public benefits.
• May require travel to shelters, housing sites, workforce centers, and employer locations.
• Use trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and culturally responsive approaches in all interactions.
• Participate in relevant agency meetings and trainings.
• Actively pursue professional competency development through reading, supervision, in‑service training, and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Integrate awareness and support of the agency's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan, including core competencies such as collaboration, community focus, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural competence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• Motivational Interviewing or Trauma‑Informed Care training.

Experience:

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, behavioral health challenges, or housing instability.
• Experience with supported employment…