Employment Specialist

Scheduled Work Times/Locations: Monday -Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM; flexibility for nights and weekends are required. Location: 76 Pliny Street Hartford, CT 06120 Job Summary: The Employment Specialist will work to support the Mission of My Sisters’ Place which is committed to ending homelessness and empowering women, families, and others in Greater Hartford to achieve independence and stability in their communities by providing housing and supportive services.

Context: The Employment Specialist will provide services in a medium sized nonprofit, multi-cultural organization within a computerized, multi funded (state, local, federal and donor) recovery/trauma care oriented environment. Constituents: The Employment Specialist interfaces with the Executive Director, VP of Programs & Operations, VP of Finance, VP of Development, supervisor, the Board of Directors, funders, vendors, program staff, volunteers, families, individuals, and children of our agency.

Duties & Responsibilities: Conducts Job Club, employment assessments, job placement, job development, and follow along services for program participants. Provides professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating the vocational needs of participants. Develops new resources and/or identifies existing resources to create new works sites and resources.

Develops an individual employment plan with tenant that is updated quarterly. Coordinates job development and job search activities that are individualized to the interest and uniqueness of tenants. Conducts workshops on same. Provides follow-along support to assist clients in maintaining employment. Helps and directs resume writing and job search particularly during computer lab hours at Shay.

Establishes Computer lab hours that will enable tenants to utilize the computers for job search, resumes, etc. Instruct tenants about employment websites; how to upload resumes; apply for jobs online, etc. Maintains current records, logs and files and completes other reports and correspondence as necessary. Acts as liaison with other agencies, i.

e., CT Works, Chamber of Commerce, Metro Alliance, and other social and vocational agencies to advocate for and assist tenants. Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment including staff areas and agency vehicles. Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, seminars, and trainings as appropriate. Participates with planning activities for clients, program, and agency.

Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Duties & Responsibilities: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field and at least two years’ experience in mental health or related field. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently, make decisions, and have multi-tasking capability. Ability to function collaboratively as a team member.

Creative and solution oriented problem solving skills. Basic/advanced Computer skills. Sense of urgency. Positive attitude. Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and proof of current automobile insurance, reliable transportation and a vehicle required. ADA Requirements: Ability to walk up and down stairs.

Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching. Ability to sit at desk, work at computer for period of time. Requires some travel.

Compensation

$23 - $25.00 per hour, based on experience plus generous incentive compensation plan. Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 12 paid holidays.