Summary:

Under leadership of the AimHire Division Director, the Employment Specialist provides employment support services through the US Department of Labor funded “Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program,” or HVRP. The primary role of this grant-funded position will be to provide services to reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force by placement in family-sustaining employment and to provide an array of client-centered services to directly assist or link homeless veterans to essential services (i.e., housing, medical care, behavioral health, basic needs, etc.) in their local communities. The communities include The District of Columbia, Montgomery County (MD), Prince George’s County (MD), Arlington County (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Prince William County (VA), and the City of Alexandria (VA). The goal of the project is to serve 125 veterans per project year. The Employment Specialist will carry a caseload of no more than 35 individuals at a time and must be able to effectively place eligible veterans into employment training opportunities, employment, and/or access supportive services that support employment and housing stability of the veteran and meet the objectives of the established grant project. The position must be capable of working with participants from varying backgrounds, an understanding of the needs of veterans, and understand key frameworks and practices of: Lifespan Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Sensitivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Employment Services:

1. Ascertain participant employability by assessing participant’s education, work experience, resources, and motivation.

2. Provide job readiness training and preparation, including resume/cover letter writing, mock interview coaching, networking, and computer/technology literacy.

3. Develop “Employment and Training Case Plan” to identify participant goals and needed resources to support training and employment outcomes.

4. Assist participants in obtaining training and certification that increase employment outcomes as identified in each participant’s goals.

5. Enroll participants with accompanying city/state-based services, such as Dept. of Employment Services and American Job Centers/One Stop.

6. Collaborate with the Job Developer to connect participants to job opportunities with employer connections to support job placement with sustainable wage opportunities.

7. Support participants through initial placement with employment adjustments services/supports through coaching and follow-up.

8. Conduct retention/follow-up of job retention following participant exit from services.

Case Management:

1. Assess essential needs including housing, mental and medical health, and other barriers to stable employment.

2. Provide support to participants in navigating and accessing social services, through referrals, connections to services, and enrollment with community-based services.

3. Create housing goal plans and assist participants in mitigating housing crises through connections to Veteran specific housing programs (i.e., Grant Per Diem, SSVF, HUD-VASH, etc.).

4. Collaborate with other participant identified case managers and/or providers to ensure wrap-around supportive services.

Administrative:

1. Regularly inputs necessary information into case management software (HMIS and/or NetSuite); maintain and update electronic and physical participant files in accordance with program policy and government grant compliance.

2. Record and report on key output data items, including housing placements, job placements, hourly wage, household demographics, retention earnings, training placements/enrollments, and supportive services connections/referrals.

3. Completion of any additional reporting required per contract.

For Friendship Place:

• Participate in the planning and development of new projects as they relate to participant services.
• Assess safety/well-being of participants and activate emergency services and other necessary supports as needed.
• Connect, collaborate, build, and maintain positive relationships with external agencies that provide services to Friendship Place participants.
• Actively participate in case meetings, staff meetings, and supervisions.
• Actively participate in trainings and other events offered by Friendship Place and other agencies.
• Assists with volunteers when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, sociology, human services, preferred.
• At least 2 years prior work experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or veterans.
• 2 years in workforce development field or supportive employment,

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills; ability to be flexible and implement innovative solutions that help participants achieve success.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Model professional behavior and maintain boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Ability to work with clients of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.
• Bi-lingual Service Delivery, a plus

Working conditions

Position will spend time between office/desk settings, traveling to meet with participants across the service area, and attend meetings/engagements with key stakeholders. Travel time for position may consist of up to 50% of time.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Position requires split time between an office setting and traveling to engagements via car or public transportation. Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time with repetitive motion and positions. Employee must be able to operate a motorized vehicle. Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25lbs).

Background checks

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check, FBI fingerprinting and drug testing (and any additional tests/checks per grant requirements)

Direct reports

None

Specific Requirements:

Employee must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle to carry out job duties and responsibilities.

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.

• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $46,228 - $49,044 annually. Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation. Before moving forward in the selection process, interested applicants are encouraged to discuss starting pay eligibility with the Human Resources (Talent) Department.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, employer paid dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B matching, 15 days of vacation during 1st year of employment, sick leave, and much more!

COVID-19: Effective September 19, 2021, the District of Columbia (DC) mandates COVID-19 vaccination for government employees, contractors, interns, and grantees. As a DC government contractor, we comply with this mandate by ensuring that all employees follow being vaccinated or have an approved exemption. If you would like to proceed with completing an employment application, it is with the understanding that Friendship Place complies with the DC COVID-19 vaccine mandate. We appreciate your interest in joining the Friendship Place team.

• Location:

1436 U St., Suite 200 NW, Washington, DC 20009; Hybrid Setting

• Interview Process: Phone screening, Panel style interview, Program Visits, Final Interview
• Website: www.friendshipplace.org