Vocational/Employment Specialist

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Louis Nine House (LNH), located in the Bronx, has 46 studio apartments for young adults (aged 18-25) who are homeless or have aged out of foster care. Many of our tenants have experienced multiple foster care placements, emotional trauma, neglect and/or abuse, and many struggle with mental illness and substance use. We provide affordable housing and an integrated continuum of support services designed to help young adults achieve stability, maintain sobriety, and work toward the self-sufficiency needed to obtain and sustain permanent housing and independence. Through case management; onsite psychiatric services; and our vocational and educational program, residents are supported to advance their personal development, pursue their education, identify career interests, acquire vocational skills, and secure employment.

REPORTS TO: Vocational Services Coordinator

BASIC FUNCTION: The Employment Specialist assists clients in achieving their vocational goals by facilitating placements to outside providers including employers, internship hosts, and vocational training programs. The Employment Specialist also provides ongoing retention support services and tracks vocational/educational outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Soft-skills training and supporting participants in the OPTIONS program

· Work with clients in individual and group settings

· Assistance with resume preparation, job search, interview preparation

· Maintaining a caseload of job-ready clients and providing information to clients’ supervisors

· Participating in clinical case review conferences

· Developing and maintaining a vocational and educational resource library to include employment listings, vocational training opportunities, and educational services

· Facilitating job-readiness, job-seekers and career development workshops

· Developing relationships with employers in the community that will provide internship and employment opportunities for clients

· Maintaining ongoing supportive retention services to participants after placement

· Tracking placement and retention rates and maintaining case records in accordance with program standards

· Working cooperatively with staff at all levels to ensure quality service provision

· Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field (MSW or CRC Certification preferred)

· Substantial relevant job development experience

· Experience working with a dually diagnosed population

· A strong understanding of the special needs of young adults

· Strong communication and relationship building skills

· Commitment to a teamwork approach

· Ability to work well with a diverse staff and caseload

· Strong computer skills

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter including salary requirements and a resume to search@ncsinc.org

NCS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, creed, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other protected status.