Employment Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: Directs all employment services including development, orientation and counseling in keeping with regulatory and contractual requirements, policies and procedures; directs
assigned staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides employment services for refugees and others that meet the eligibility requirements; reviews client adjustment.
2. Identifies and develops job opportunities. Provides client job counseling, orientation and followup; ensures, as possible, the availability of client support services for employment interviews as
needed, including advocacy, transportation, translation, and driver's training for job preparedness.
3. Provides on-going case coordination; develops employment and financial plans. Maintains employment files and related documentation; performs automated reporting and requirements of
RIS NC state computer system and other databases systems; in accordance with established requirements and standards, prepares all employment reports.
4. Stays abreast of regulatory and contractual requirements and issues relevant to employment services; attends pertinent seminars, workshops and NC refugee employment sub-committee meetings.
5. Maintains working relationships with agency staff, other diocesan and external resources in coordinating employment services; provides liaison between the employer and the client as needed; advises the Supervisor of activities to ensure that services offered are in keeping with contractual requirements.
6. Represents the program and the Agency in the community; provides outreach and advocacy; participates with local committees, boards, and professional organizations.
7. Assesses job market trends, researches training opportunities, determines skills needed in the employment market that enhance relationships with employers and other civic groups that
support early self-sufficiency and job stability for program participants.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participates in the Agency's Quality Improvement System and supports Agency compliance with relevant accreditation standards.
2. Directs the activities of assigned employment services staff and volunteers.
3. Participates in staff meetings, staff training and development activities.
4. Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
1. Four year degree in a relevant field.
2. Skill required: direct assigned staff in the provision of employment services, in keeping with established policies, standards, regulatory and contractual requirements; maintain records and
reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in English; effectively manage stressful or crisis situations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; transport clients to perform the essential functions of this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Responsibilities of the Employment Specialist involve travel and work beyond the regularly scheduled workday.