Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Employment Specialist, Secure Jobs in Framingham, Massachusetts
Summary:
Provide employment and educational counseling to single adults and homeless or formerly homeless families served as part of the Secure Jobs Initiative. Place heads of household into living wage employment or connect with short term, hard skill training programs which will lead to a living wage job. Support integration effort between the SMOC Family and Individual Systems and SMOC Employment Programs. Work with clients to identify barriers to employment and supports needed to obtain and maintain employment. Develop relationships and linkages with local employers, skills training program and cultivate jobs for families served in this program. Expand financial literacy programming to target families through benefits counseling and education.
Why Work for SMOC?
Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.
Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.
Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.
Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer
EyeMed Vision Insurance
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.
Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
Primary Responsibilities:
Work with the Shelter, Motel and Stabilization Case Managers as well as Housing Consumer Education Assessment team to identify eligible families in either the Emergency Assistance shelters, HomeBase Household Assistance Program or Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program (RAFT) who are eligible and willing to participate in the employment program.
Ongoing engagement of Families and Single Adults in the Family and Individual Systems providing integration with Employment Programs.
Provide employment support services directed toward the goal of competitive employment. Work diligently to help each client find employment that meets their individual needs.
Assist clients with job development, job search and placements that are consistent with their needs and interests.
Identify and place clients into short term hard skill training programs that will allow for the attainment of a living wage job at completion.
Conduct aggressive job development in the community with the goal of identifying job placements that would be possible for identified families.
Conduct initial assessment of clients' vocational and educational functioning.
Review and monitor on an ongoing basis.
Identify barriers to employment and work with the client to overcome these through information and referral.
Develop Individual Employment Plans in conjunction with the case management team to support each client's needs and goals.
Conduct job readiness training workshops at the SMOC Opportunity Center or other identified location.
Establish relationships with and assist in the facilitation of monthly meetings between Secure Jobs partners (Natick Service Council, United Way of Tri-County, Mass Bay, etc.)
Cultivate and build relationships with community resources to address barriers to employment (i.e. child care resources, DTA, mental health treatment, transportation)
Complete and maintain accurate documentation for each individual served within funder's required timeline.
Maintain ongoing communication with interdisciplinary team to integrate vocational services into service planning for the family.
Actively participate in local job development work groups.
Participate in the Employment Specialist Group and other focus groups within the Opportunity Center.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:
Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in social services or related field.
Demonstrated experience in job development for low-income individuals. Minimum one year.
Experience providing vocational and educational support services to families preferred.
Ability to complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Skilled in the use of a computer (word, excel, email, internet) and date entry.
Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
Must have access to a reliable, insured and registered automobile.
Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Manager of Employment Services. Indirectly reports to Senior Manager of Employment and Stabilization Services. Direct reports of this position are None. Indirect reports of this position are None.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to travel across the Metrowest area via personal vehicle. Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period.Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork
Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Employment Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
35 hours per week