Employment Specialist-Part-Time

Job Details

Level: Entry

Job Location:

Madrone Apartments
- San Jose, CA 95126

Position Type:
Part-Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $32.20 - $32.20 Commission

Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category:
Nonprofit
- Social Services

Established in 1980, Home First Services is a premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. With 40+ years of experience, we serve more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year across Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County.

• Homelessness prevention
• Emergency and cold‑weather shelters
• Comprehensive Veterans’ services
• Rapid Re‑Housing programs
• Bridge Housing Communities
• Emergency Interim Housing
• Affordable permanent housing
• Permanent Supportive Housing
• Street‑based outreach

• Professional growth opportunities within the organization
• 100% medical coverage for employees; option to add dependents at shared cost
• 401(k) match up to 4%
• 12 observed holidays
• PTO accrual begins with 120 hours annually and increases with tenure
• 4 hours of Civic Engagement PTO per year
• Access to Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Pet insurance options available

Home First Services is a proud Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Home First Services participates in E‑Verify as required by law and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program aims to end and prevent veteran homelessness in Santa Clara County. The SSVF Employment Specialist supports this goal by offering employment services—resume building, job searching, interview preparation, and more—to veterans. The specialist builds relationships with community employment partners to enhance support for veterans, assesses employment needs at intake and throughout enrollment, helps veterans secure employment, and resolves barriers to employment access.

• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field.
• Minimum: 1 year of relevant work experience.

• US Military Veteran desired but not required.
• Ability to quickly build trust and rapport.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional listening, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with basic office software: MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
• Strong facilitation and mediation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and outside agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adjust priorities.
• Ability to make quick and sound decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Flexibility to prioritize appropriately.
• Ability to work with diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Understanding of PTSD.
• Understanding of fair housing law and tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
• Understanding of the needs of the homeless and veterans, and strong adherence to social work ethics.

• Valid California driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Ability to be added to Home First Insurance.
• Reliable personal vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion.
• Ability to visit clients in the community, including walking upstairs.

The Employment Specialist is passionate about serving others, proactive, and responsive to participant needs. They manage time well, exhibit strong organizational skills, and participate in continuous learning to deepen evidence‑based practice knowledge. They collaborate effectively within the participant services team, uphold Home First values, and work with individuals from varied backgrounds.

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