Career Development Specialist - 11-330 - SC/Orange County

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

Veteran Employment Services (VES) is a program in the Community Integration Services (CIS) Department. The Career Development Specialist (CDS) under the general direction of the VES Program Manager performs outreach, provides assessment and case management services to veterans seeking employment. S/he is responsible for connecting with and enrolling unemployed and underemployed veterans. The CDS is expected to meet or exceed employment placement and retention goals, which include, but not limited to, the following activities:

Essential Functions

• Enter data in all Program systems accurately and timely (i.e., Salesforce, internal Data report).
• Conduct outreach to connect with unemployed and underemployed veterans seeking employment - including homeless and other high barrier participants.
• Build and Maintain relationships with public and private sector partners and employers to exchange referrals
• Strengthening job readiness skills through one-on-one and group sessions. Coach clients in job search, applications, resume writing, interviewing and follow-up skills.
• Provide follow-up and support to veterans after placement to insure maintenance of employment
• Provide Community Outreach to community partners and employers in Orange County.
• Meet Program goals of 15 enrollments and 10 placements on a Quarterly basis.
• Manage veterans who have been placed into employment and follow-up retention.
• Attend required meetings in Los Angeles County.
• Collaborate with local agencies to maximize enrollment efforts (i.e., EDD, AJC, GAIN office, DPSS, GPD, Shelters)
• Connect with the VA Loma Linda Vocational Rehab Specialist for possible collaboration.
• Motivate and encourage clients to work towards their goals and provide ongoing support.
• Partner with the client to develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) monthly.
• Orient & assess clients to collect demographic data, social history, employment and educational background.
• Assist a contracted number of clients to locate, secure and maintain employment
• Regularly and accurately maintain client data and complete case management documentation about all activities, services, and outcomes achieved
• Provide appropriate job leads and match job ready clients with job openings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team consisting of housing specialists, mental health clinicians, social workers to best support clients’ goals
• Serve as recruiting specialist to employers to advocate for clients – use IEP and employer to provide best fit job matching
• Maintain client electronic and hard copy participant files within the U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.
• Able to drive within Orange County and Los Angeles County.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend training as assigned
• Complete all data entry and other reporting by assigned target dates
• Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions Ability to walk, stand, bend squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications     

• Bachelor’s degree in workforce development, social work, human services, counseling or a related field preferred or 1 year of Homeless services.
• At least 1 year of experience in Job Placement
• Driving Test and MVR check (if applicable)
• A valid California Class C Driver License required to deliver supportive services and collect program documentation.
• Willingness to submit to extensive criminal background, drug and motor vehicle checks, as well as keep current on all Salvation Army Child Safety and Protect the Mission guidelines

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army & CIS Department
• Veteran status a plus
• Ability to work well with others and commitment to excellence
• Able to represent the Salvation Army to employers and community organizations
• Knowledge of Vocational Development Planning
• Strong attention to detail in documentation, data entry and in daily activities
• Excellent computer and internet skills including Outlook, Excel, Salesforce, etc.
• Excellent communication skills