Employment Specialist

Buffalo, Journeys End Refugee Services, Employment Specialist, $22 - $24 p/h Job Description: The Employment Specialist has the dual responsibility of assisting clients with job placements and working with employers to fill open positions. This includes hands-on client-based job preparation skills/training, self-sufficiency work plan creation, and frequent placement follow-up. It also includes outreach to employers to develop and strengthen relationships with those employers in order to ensure proper placement and strong retention. The Employment Specialist works closely with case managers and other agency departments, with the objective of removing barriers to employment and ensuring clients are on track to be financially self-sufficient. The Employment Specialist must exemplify Journeys Ends core values in their work. These values include intercultural responsiveness, integrity, person-centered, empowerment, and exemplary service. Primary Responsibilities: Work with clients many of whom are limited English proficient (LEP) individuals and employers to overcome the challenges newly arriving refugees face in seeking and retaining employment Work on new employment initiatives such as employment services for refugees and immigrants with disabilities or youth employment services. Provide transportation assistance, language assistance, and job application assistance in early stages of securing job for clients Provide culturally sensitive counseling and case management Ensure client milestones to employment are documented in data systems and case files, including job offers, job placements, job retention, public assistance usage, and ongoing follow-up on placements Model and teach clients about professional dress and communication, as well as expectations of U.S. employers Assist in targeting new and existing employers and act as their initial contact Enroll and determine eligible clients specific needs and qualifications, including English language ability, transferable job skills, personal objectives, and barriers to employment through a comprehensive intake and assessment process Communicate with clients and employers at 30-day, 60-day, 90-day intervals to provide support after job placements occur (for up to five years) Support clients on completing applications, interviews with potential employers, and accompanying clients to interviews, providing transportation and following up with employers until decisions are made Write clear case notes, reporting, and maintain accurate case files on a daily/weekly basis Advocate for clients in resolving issues with employers Facilitate groups and activities for clients, such as employment skills preparation, employer orientations, job clubs and trainings Assist with public benefits and unemployment issues as needed Troubleshoot and resolve clients barriers to employment Other duties as assigned Qualifications: 1-3 years' experience working in the employment or workforce readiness field, including but not limited to job placement, training, or coaching Experience working with foreign-born populations Firm understanding of challenges newly arrived refugees face and ability to overcome those challenges Ability to implement job readiness opportunities for historically underrepresented persons, especially limited English proficient (LEP) individuals Knowledge of employer/employee rights and responsibilities Able to communicate in a timely, professional, and assertive manner Attention to detail and timely follow-through Solid computer skills Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation To apply email resume to [email protected]