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LifeWorks Austin · 4 days ago

Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

Austin, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$24.86/hr - $27.17/hr

2+ years exp

LifeWorks Austin is looking for Employment Specialists to join their Workforce Development program. The role focuses on providing community-based supported employment and education services to youth and young adults, helping them obtain and maintain meaningful employment that aligns with their preferences and career goals.

ConsultingNon ProfitSocial Impact

Responsibilities

Provide client-centered, trauma-informed supported employment services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, diagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc

Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Individual Placement and Support model is adhered to and considered in interaction with and documentation of client-employment specialist engagement. Participate in regular field monitoring, training, and job shadowing in accordance with the Individual Placement Support model

Transport clients afterhours to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, and to work, as well as to other agencies or services that may help a client achieve their employment/educational goals, as needed

Attend job fairs and other outreach events in the community to promote the program as well as the agency

Conduct a minimum of 6 in-person employer contacts per week that are designed to develop relationships with employers and learn about their business and hiring needs; describe supports offered by the Workforce program, introduce potential job candidates from caseload that are appropriate to employer’s available positions

Apply interviewing skills to learn about individual client preferences, past experiences, hopes and concerns regarding employment; assess clients' vocational functioning utilizing background information and work experiences

Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined employment or educational goals

Complete intake forms and assessments with clients seeking supported employment or supported education services

Actively engage in the community alongside clients to conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests of the people on their caseload

Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in seeking and maintaining employment and/or completing education goals

Develop an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporate input from team and/or family members, with permission

Write job support goals and steps with clients and incorporate input from larger client-centered team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences

Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer

Provide supported education, using principles of the Individual Placement & Support model, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals

Meet periodically with staff from across LifeWorks to provide coordinated wrap-around services

Assist clients with developing job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview skills, soft skills, and presentation skills

Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client-focused solutions

Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure, and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things

Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports

Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry

Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds

Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card) and support clients with connections to community resources to ensure their basic needs are met

Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities, help clients with financial literacy, and refer clients to benefits counseling, as needed

Provide timely interventions and outreach services to clients when they appear to disengage from services

Ensure required client consents are collected and documented and that clients have a thorough understanding of the program prior to consenting to participate

Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings

Qualification

Bachelor's degreeYouthMS Office proficiencyCRM software experienceData entry skillsJob readiness skillsSoft skills

Required

Requires a Bachelor's degree in mental health, social services, or business

Requires 2 years related experience with youth and young adults, preferably in employment services

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Proficient in MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

CRM Software: 1+ years of experience working with a database tool to log and enter data

Benefits

24 PTO days per year (accrued)

11 paid holidays per year

A premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!)

A retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions