Employment Specialist

Reports To:      Program Manager  

Salary:             $37,469 - $39,520

FUNDING NOTICE: This position is funded by grants and other agency funds and will require additional responsibilities as directed by the supervisor, department director or COO.  This position will be reviewed by March 31^st annually to determine funding availability in the new fiscal year beginning July 1^st annually.

WORKING SCHEDULE:  This position is designated as essential and will be required to report to the office during inclement weather.  The coach will be issued a mobile device to manage day, evening, and weekend programming at various agency sites and access to an agency vehicle. This position will also be responsible for attending early morning, evening, and weekend events as assigned.  

SUMMARY

Performs social work, mobility case management and employment services for individuals and families served by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP), a regional Community Action Agency.  This position involves serving as a subject matter expert, a coach that will utilize the Whole Family Approach model, counseling and assessing the needs of individuals and families, coordinating the provision of needed services, and maintaining case records (paper and electronic). This position is responsible for cross-training with other agency programs and services to ensure that individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by providing services and connecting to various Service Provider Network programs and all local Departments of Social Services served by the HRCAP.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN EMPLOYMENT COACH/COUNSELORinclude the following:

·         Establish new employer relationships and maintain existing relationships with employers to secure unsubsidized employment.

·         Develop work sites for individuals enrolled in HRCAP work experience programs.

·         Teach weekly job readiness classes.

·         Administer various vocational assessments to include: personality assessments, interest assessments, aptitude and skills assessments, work values assessments and transferable skills assessments.

·         Screens and match individuals with employment opportunities based on skill, work experience, hobbies, and interests.

·         Coordinate transportation services for individuals attending meetings as requested.

·         Provide travel training and appropriate assistance to maximize the safety and mobility of all customers.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties within the scope of this position may be assigned. 
 

·         Manages intense caseload and coordinates internal and external services for assigned families.  Assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency; assess needs of households and determines appropriate supportive services; meets with clients regularly, assigns clients to activities aligned with individual and household development plans.

·         Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using EmpowOR Client Management System.

·         Establishes and monitors individual and household development plan goals through information and assessment of client background.

·         Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reason and need for assistance.

·         Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.

·         Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential Workforce Development Programs.

·         Processes intake applications for necessary community resources and diversion.

·         Coordinates and participates in out of office visits with family members and other professionals.

·         Prepares referrals for families requiring assistance; collaborates with Service Provider Network and other agencies or professionals as needed.

·         Maintains current listing community resources in empowOR.

·         Prepares and maintains confidential case records and files; documents all interactions with clients by entering data into empowOR Client Management System.

·         Prepares and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, case records, client activity reports, service plans, assessment instruments, needs assessments, purchase orders, invoices, applications, funding reports, charts, or other documents.

·         Operates several technology tools (desktop, laptop, tablet, cellphone, hotspot, etc.) to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections.

·         Utilize MS Office, empowOR Client Management System, e-mail, internet, other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as replacing paper, ink, or toner.

·         Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, clients, family members, companion aides, Newport News Human Services, government agencies, counselors, medical provides, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys, schools, Service Provider Network, professional colleagues, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate activities, review status of household plans, exchange information, or resolve problems.

·         Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.

·         Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

·         Cross-trained to support agency operations as directed by the supervisor. May be responsible for performing other program duties as the agency receives new programs/grants.

·         Performs other related duties as directed by the supervisor.

·         Represent the organization in professional, civic, and community groups as requested by the CEO.

SKILLS REQUIRED include the following.  Other skills within the scope of this position may be assigned. 

·            Knowledge of employment, vocational development, career development and personal development programs and techniques.

·            Knowledge of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and other local resources and community service agencies.

·            Helps establish performance measures and monitors outputs and outcomes.

·            Understanding of data systems, including tracking, reporting, monitoring, customer satisfaction, and evaluation.

·            Ability to work independently, take initiative and be an effective team member.

·            High-level communication and interpersonal skills a must.

·            Exceptional time management skills with ability to multitask; ability to work well under pressure, prioritize workload, and meet tight deadlines.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Comply with all Federal, State and Local regulatory standards and procedures.

Abide by all HRCAP’s Safety Policies, Rules and Regulations; maintain required trainings and certifications for the jobs and equipment to be used; and understand the potential safety hazards in the work area.

Ensure that applicable personal protective equipment is worn, in proper operating condition, and used for each job performed.

INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY

This position will have access to confidential information and is required to be familiar with the HRCAP’s Privacy Policy related to the handling of data and using encryption software to ensure data is secured at all times.  Any data breaches are to be reported immediately to the Chief Operating Officer.

Requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, human services, psychology, or closely related field or three-year documented professional experience.
  
• Experience in human resources, community services, VEC workforce services and/or training programs.
  
• Three to five years’ experience in social work and demonstrated experience with case management of low-income individuals and families.
  
• At least six months of documented experience with program eligibility evaluation and determination. TANF and AMI experience preferred.
  
• Ability to use multiple software systems to include but not limited to: Office 365, Adobe, Asana, Zoom, Teams.
  
• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license with applicable insurance to be provided when renewal occurs.
  
• Criminal record check, driving record and credit report may be required for employment
  
• Adept at networking, building relationships, and community engagement
  
• Ability to work across the organization to deliver solutions that meet internal and external objectives
  

Current state driver’s license, proof of current auto insurance coverage, satisfactory driving record and working vehicle required. Career Coaching, Workforce Development, or Adult Counseling certification.

Benefits

Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, effective the first day of the month following your hire date. Benefits include:

·         Paid Time Off:

o    10 days of annual leave per year (accrued bi-weekly) for the first five years

o    Sick leave accrued at 5 hours per pay period

o    1 paid day off annually for your birthday

o    11 paid holidays, including major federal holidays

·         Health & Wellness:

o    Medical, dental, and vision insurance available for employees and dependents

o    HRCAP covers 75% of health insurance premiums

o    Coverage begins the first of the month after hire

o    Pre-tax premium deductions via Section 125 Plan

·         Retirement:

o    403(b) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service

Additional details are provided in the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.