The Employment Specialist provides Vocational, Employment, and Job Searching assistance to all clients entering the homeless shelter.  The Employment Specialist assesses the client’s vocational, and employment needs and provides supportive assistance to meet those needs. The Employment Specialist participates in regular workshops geared to address the most prevalent needs of our clientele.

• To meet or exceed all the quarterly performance targets for employment as set annually by the Department of Homeless Services and The Salvation Army leadership.
• The Employment Specialist reports directly to the Case Manager Supervisor regarding all vocational needs of the residents
• The Employment Specialist will meet with all the new Intakes and assist them in the preparation of their resume.
• The Employment Specialist assesses and provides supportive assistance to all residents as they search for regular full-time employment.
• The Employment Specialist maintains accurate and detailed case progress notes for every client meeting and engagement that takes place.  The Employment Specialist also enters said case notes in the approved computer database of client records.
• The Employment Specialist completes all required paperwork, i.e. progress notes, referral sheets, and statistical requirements on a timely basis
• The Employment Specialist identifies clients in need of external services that may prevent employment and coordinates with their case manager so said services can be arranged.
• The Employment Specialist engages the clients in discussions about interviewing skills, dressing for success, etc. and develops and coordinates workshops for all clients to attend.
• The Employment Specialist engages the local community, and DHS partners and helps to develop relationships for employment referral sources.
• The Employment Specialist completes all documentation requirements related to employment that may be assigned by DHS.
• The Employment Specialist actively participates in all required client hearings and discharges
• As part of the social service team, The Employment Specialist supports the client’s goal of finding long-term permanent housing.
• The Employment Specialist participates in weekly housing, employment, case conferencing, and staff meetings.
• The Employment Specialist actively engages in weekly clinical supervision with the Case Manager Supervisor.

• To continue to run each of our Family shelters with excellence and to meet the needs of the program, employees may be asked to assume their same position at one of our other family shelters operated by the Salvation Army at the discretion of the Director of Shelters or Salvation Army Department Heads.
• Other assignments and tasks may be added at the discretion of the Director of Shelters or Salvation Army Department Heads.

Position Description Personnel Section

• Has respect and consideration for the people being served.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of workflow.  Able to perform duties independently, with minimal need of direct supervision.
• Maintains the confidentiality of clients, shelter/programs.
• Demonstrates the ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with clients, visitors, contract staff, volunteers and co-workers.
• Reflects commitment to building a supportive work environment and maintains a positive attitude at the workplace and towards the job.
• Projects a good image in dealing with the public and its clients. Is willing to make an extra effort to help build a quality and caring shelter/program.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or a related field, or a High School Diploma/GED and experience working within a homeless shelter and/or with the homeless population.
• Experience working with clients pursuing independence and self-sufficiency outcomes is preferred.