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Career Opportunities with Covenant House California

Job Description for Employment Specialist, Oakland

As our direct care staff work with youth that are 18-24 years old, we require that applicants are at least 25 years old.

POSITION SUMMARY: Employment Specialists will assist youth experiencing homelessness in building employment skills and obtaining entry level and step up employment. The position will work with residents and non-residents of Covenant House California who are between the ages of 16 to 24. Essential functions include job search coaching, job matching, development of internships for youth, networking in the business community, development and maintenance of business partnerships, case management, documentation, and includes a range of supportive duties spanning coordination of the intern program, clothing closet, facilitating job search groups, dissemination of external materials for posting, field work with clients, teaching of job prep curriculum, establishing partnerships with other agencies, etc.

Full-Time position, 40 hours per week.

SALARY RANGE: $22.50 / hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Case Management:

• Implement individualized plan that is created in conjunction with a youth’s Primary Case Manager as it relates to employability, job search skills, skills enhancement and job retention. Determine client’s ongoing needs in searching for employment; provide 1:1 support as needed.
• Hold regular meetings with assigned clients to address progress and refine focus of search.
• Ensure each client has the tools and skills to properly search for and find work—including job search techniques (online and personal contact), computer skills (for submitting applications), résumé, job applications, cover letters, follow-up, interview skills, etc.

Classes and Workshops:

• Teach assigned Job Prep curriculum course. Provide monthly workshops in areas of interviewing skills and retention.
• Coordination and facilitation of regular weekly, monthly and annual groups and events including, HOT JOBS group, Job Retention group, and CHC Job Fair.

Job Outings:

• Coordinate “job search” field trips and facilitate individual or small group meetings with clients.

Documentation:

• Ensure that all client files are complete, current, and in compliance with standards and grant requirements. Update daily log and input data into the database as requested by the Program Coordinator.
• Create written employment assessment and employment plan for each client.

Service Integration:

• Ensure ongoing communication with other CHC departments serving their clients. As assigned, position will attend CHC program trainings, daily residential phase meeting and CHC taskforce meetings.
• Encourage and assist clients with enrollment into benefits and resources, including CalFresh and CalFresh E&T.

Job Search & Skills:

• Coordination and facilitation of the Professional Clothing Program.
• Coordinate and post materials on external Job Fairs.
• Research and post variety of applicable job listings for clients.
• Coordinate and facilitate enrollment in educational/vocational training programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate client incentives in employment.
• Serve as liaison to external organizations promoting employment of youth.
• Attend appropriate community events to promote hiring of CHC youth.

Internship Program:

• Oversee the on-site internship program including monitoring client’s progress and meet with internship mentors on a weekly basis, overseeing payroll for clients in the internship program.
• Oversee off-site internship program once established through the Job Developer contacts.

*Serve as a backup support and share duties of other Specialists.

*All other duties as assigned by the Director of Support Services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3 years of employment development experience working with at risk youth.

SKILLS: Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills. Must be computer literate (Word, Outlook, ACCESS, etc.). Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, clients, vendors and the public. CPR and PART 2000 training is preferred.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have a valid California Driver’s license and a good driving record and be able to drive residents to activities using CHC vans.

WORKING CONDITIONS: General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required. Full-Time 40 hours per week.

EQUIPMENT USED: Computers, calculators, fax machines, telephone, mid-size Van and other equipment required.

Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.