This position is directly responsible to the VA CARES Case Manager. The Employment Specialist is responsible for client employment services. Works with area employers to ensure Virginia CARES clients find self-sustaining employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Establishes contacts with prospective new employers.

2. Maintains contact with existing employers.

3. Facilitates employment relationship between employers and participants.

4. Assists participants enrolled in program to seek and/or obtain suitable employment.

5. Develops relationships with temporary employers and/or temporary employment agencies, when applicable.

6. Strives to meet program placement goals.

7. Meets with employers to market Virginia CARES, develops ongoing relationships, and develops job placement opportunities for participants.

8. Forms working relationships with community employment services and resources, including Virginia Employment Commission, Disability Rehabilitative Services of Virginia, local Chambers of Commerce and the Virginia Workforce Investment Board.

9. Conducts employment group sessions and classes.

10.   Recruits community volunteers to participate in job readiness workshops.

11.   Counsels participants on career planning and administers career study/aptitude tests to determine client interests and skill level.

12.   Counsels participants on job-seeking skills.

13.   Maintains an ongoing list of employers and job openings sharing the same with participants. Posts job openings in CARES office.

14.   Assists participants with employment needs, supplying clothing and accessing assistive technology resources when applicable.

15.   Assists participants in obtaining appropriate employment documents.

16.   Assists participants with approved transportation requirements.

17.   Conducts employment follow-ups in a timely manner.

18.   Maintains complete participant files.

19.   Inputs required employment information in CARES data system at baseline, six months during program participation, and six months post-graduation.

20.   Participates fully in staff meetings and training experiences as deemed necessary by supervisor and/or VA CARES.

21.   Completes documentation and submits all appropriate paperwork and reports as required.

22.   Works within required state and federal guidelines; follows agency policies/procedures in all areas.

23.   Maintains confidentiality of client records and information. Treats all individuals courteously and with dignity and respect. Establishes rapport and a good working relationship with each client.

24.   Must comply with inventory policies and procedures for site of responsibility.

25.   Professionally represents NRCA and VA CARES in the community.

26.   Personally reports to Department of Social Services all suspected child, aged or incapacitated adult abuse and neglect as required by law and document accordingly. The Commonwealth of Virginia mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect within 24 hours to the local DSS. Informs supervisor of all reports to Department of Social Services.

27.   Performs all other duties that advance the philosophy and goals of the program and NRCA as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Ability and desire to work well with offenders and ex-offenders and work with individuals/families of various cultures from low-to middle-income backgrounds, especially those who have mental illness, addiction, and/or domestic violence issues. Approach to working with clients that is empathic, nonjudgmental, respectful, and professional.

Demonstrated ability to instruct adults in job seeking and retention skills, including resume writing and conflict resolution.

Good communication skills required.

Ability to work independently.

Must have a willingness and ability to utilize computer to meet essential job requirements. Must have ability to fluently use or learn to use Microsoft Office, NRCA online database and VA CARES database.

Must maintain regular attendance and perform job duties and responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Notifies supervisor by 7:30 am if unable to report to work.

Prior to employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform DMV and Criminal Record Checks to demonstrate that a satisfactory driving record and no pending or founded charges or convictions related to abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of children or adults (or other felony or misdemeanor charges which would conflict with the mission and philosophy of the agency).

Driving is an essential function for this position. Must possess valid driver’s license and safe driving record. Must be able to drive up to 4 hours per day, but may be required to drive more than 4 hours in a given day. Some night/overnight driving may be required for out of town trainings or meetings.

If agency vehicle is unavailable, must have vehicle with valid inspection and insurance meeting minimum state requirements available for travel within the New River Valley, and in pre-approved cases outside the New River Valley. Mileage reimbursed by NRCA.

Education and Experience Requirements:

An Associate Degree in human services field plus one year related experience with human service agency or program.

·    Working knowledge of state employment regulations and human resource policies preferred.

·    Training and experience in employment services and facilitating groups preferred.

Classification:

Hourly, non-exempt position. Full-time, 40 hours per week, with full benefits. Starting pay between $14.83 and $18.54 based upon education and experience.

NRCA conducts pre-employment criminal background, and driving record checks. Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record is required. Pre-employment drug testing and an employment physical are required.

Application Deadline: Apply online at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/943795/New-River-Community-Action-Inc/Employment-Specialist. Deadline is March 3, 2022, at 5:00 pm or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA