Employment Specialist

Requisition # : req13214

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bilingual In English/Arabic Strongly Preferred

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As an Employment Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for providing culturally and linguistically sensitive case management services to clients to prepare them for acquiring the skills they need for seeking, obtaining, and sustaining gainful employment. This individual is also responsible for seeking employment opportunities for clients by filling out applications, attending interviews with clients, and coordinating the logistics that allow clients to obtain employment opportunities.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Administer accurate and timely client intake and assessment to assist with the completion of the Employment Services Plan;
• Provide comprehensive case management to clients to encourage, motivate, and address barriers to employment opportunities, while also building relationships with community stakeholders;
• Effectively collaborate with the Program’s grant constituents, volunteers, and interns who assist in employment activities with the client;
• Effectively communicate job opportunities, utilizing the client's own network of connections as well as their own;
• Effectively work with clients to follow-up on any possible employment leads;
• Respond immediately to all job leads communicated by the job developer;
• Partner with the job developer to address issues of on-going retention, while also communicating with the employer and update the job developer on all progress;
• Participate in team meetings;
• If applicable to program, ensure appropriate preparation at job development meetings by providing a list of clients who are immediately ready to interview for jobs;
• Maintain client case files including eligibility, intake, assessment, progress and program required information;
• Contact each client as required, while maintaining a documented log of contacts;
• Prepare client case files for review;
• Collect, record and report information as required to supervisor and colleagues in a timely manner;
• Proactively work to eliminate barriers to service accessibility by providing assistance in locating resources for childcare, transportation, interpreter, specific assistance fund and home management;
• May interpret and translate (or access translator) for interviews with employers, initial job training or retention needs, or meetings at community agencies, as needed;
• In some programs, may coordinate and communicate with DHHS Specialist regarding changed information and to ensure client’s;
• Collect, translate, and distribute information regarding employment, language, medical, legal, social services, housing, and other support services available in the local County and surrounding communities;
• Complete other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Social Work, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college (strongly preferred in some programs);
• Prior work experience in community development, business and/or a child welfare agency in a social work capacity;
• Bilingual in English/Arabic strongly preferred;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and effective partnerships across varied populations;
• Must possess the ability to engage, and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals;
• Must possess excellent observation, and organizational skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Highly motivated and able to work independently;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Able to collect and analyze date and information accurately;
• Must have an ability to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.

Salary : $36,500 - $46,200