Family Support Services; FSS Employment Specialist

Why join our countywide agency?

• Because each day we are making a difference in our community, and because we have a positive, employee- and client-centered work culture.
• We pay competitive rates and offer a strong benefits package that includes generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, employer‑paid medical insurance, a free subscription to the meditation/sleep app Calm, and much more!
• We offer continuous employee education and development and paid clinical supervision.
• We work with our staff to offer flexibility whenever possible.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting participants to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals. The person in this position engages participants and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of obtaining competitive employment in community job settings. The position reports to the FSS Program Manager.

FSA strives to be a trauma‑informed and resilience‑oriented organization. Working with those impacted by trauma can affect staff in various ways, so FSA actively identifies and employs methods to support staff to embody a healthy and sustainable balance of care.

• Assesses participants' job readiness skills on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and prior work experiences.
• Collaborate with participants to identify short and long‑term employment goals and develop employment plans with steps toward achieving goal.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the participants on his/her caseload.
• Conducts regular employer contacts throughout Santa Barbara County. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Provides individualized follow‑along support to assist participants in maintaining employment.
• Ensure participant records and documentation is accurate, up‑to‑date, and confidential.
• Utilize databases to monitor and reflect program contacts, activities, and outcomes.
• Attend meetings with community partners to coordinate services and promote continuity of care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Vocational Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Business, or related field is required.
• A minimum of one year experience providing vocational support activities.
• Experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are required.
• Familiarity with community resources and working knowledge of trauma‑informed care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• A professional attitude, a collaborator, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are necessary.
• Ability to have a warm and empathetic interpersonal style to establish trusting relationships with program participants, colleagues, and employers.
• Will speak, read, write, and understand English and Spanish fluently.
• Requires valid California driver's license, insurance, and reliable transportation for occasional county‑wide travel.
• Computer and Internet literacy and excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; can adapt to using several types of software.

• This position is part‑time (24 hours/week), non‑exempt, with limited benefits, including: flexible spending accounts and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous vacation, holiday and sick leave also offered.
• Pay is dependent on education and experience. Starting pay for applicants ranges from $27 - $29 / hour.

To be considered for this position, it is highly recommended for you to submit a cover letter.