Employment Specialist
Volunteers of America - Greater New York - New York, NY
posted 3 days ago
About the position
Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-Greater New York) is an anti-poverty organization working to end homelessness in the New York area by 2050. We operate over 60 programs across New York City, Northern New Jersey and Westchester County including emergency, transitional and permanent housing. Our services extend to families experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, people living with HIV/AIDS, veterans, youth aging out of foster care, adults with behavioral health or substance use needs, and others in need, including a special education preschool program. We are in search of new talent in the following position: Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist for our YouthBuild Training & Employment Program will play a pivotal role in helping young adults navigate the complexities of the job market and secure meaningful employment opportunities. They will work closely with program participants, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout their job search journey.
Responsibilities
- Conduct Individualized Career Counseling via one-on-one sessions with program participants to assess their skills, interests, and career goals.
- Develop personalized career plans tailored to each participant's strengths and aspirations.
- Guide resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Assist participants in identifying suitable job opportunities aligned with their career objectives.
- Facilitate connections with employers and coordinate job interviews for program participants.
- Provide ongoing support during the application and interview process, including mock interviews and feedback sessions.
- Organize and conduct workshops on essential job readiness skills, such as communication, time management, and workplace etiquette.
- Collaborate with external partners to offer training programs and certifications relevant to participants' career interests.
- Monitor participants' progress and provide additional support resources to enhance their employability.
- Establish community outreach and networking with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to create employment opportunities for program participants.
- Attend job fairs, networking events, and community gatherings to promote the program and expand your network of employers.
- Track and document participants' progress, including job placements, skill development, and employment outcomes.
- Collect feedback from participants and stakeholders to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations to share program outcomes and achievements with internal stakeholders and funders.
- Check in with participants and employers during the retention period to assess progress and identify any areas where additional support may be needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor's in vocational rehabilitation or related field and three or more years' experience in workforce development or vocational rehabilitation.
- Strong understanding of the job market, employment trends, and recruitment strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse population.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
Nice-to-haves
- Spanish language fluency.
- Previous experience working with young adults, preferably in career counseling and workforce development.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Prescription coverage
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Educational Reimbursement Program (includes tuition and license/certification)
- Paid Time Off which is accrued monthly and rolls over from year to year.
- Paid Birthday Holiday
