Employment Specialist

Organizational Overview

Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the circle of intergenerational family homelessness. We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention.  With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness. Our diverse team is passionate about our mission. UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication. UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development.  We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.

Summary

The Employment Specialist provides direct client services, including employment counseling, job coaching, skills assessment, training, job development, placement, advocacy, and retention support. This role collaborates with Rapid Rehousing and Interim Housing programs to support families in achieving employment stability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Client Services

• Conduct employment consultations and assessments to identify client skills, work preferences, and needs.
• Develop and regularly update Individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) tailored to client goals and objectives.
• Assist clients with job search activities, including applications, resumes, and interview preparation.
• Provide job coaching and skill training, modeling appropriate work behaviors and professionalism.
• Meet clients at locations that suit their needs, including:
  1. Client homes
  2. Community centers
  3. Partner agency offices
  4. Libraries or co-working spaces
  5. Employer sites (as appropriate)
• Utilize organizational safety measures, including the safety plan and buddy system, when conducting community and home visits.
• Maintain flexibility to adapt to client preferences and needs while ensuring equitable access to services.

Job Development and Placement

• Match clients to jobs using assessment data and job site analysis.
• Meet monthly job placement goals for part-time and full-time employment.
• Develop relationships with employers to identify and secure job opportunities.
• Stay informed about labor market trends and share employment opportunities with clients.
• Coordinate and participate in employment-related events, such as career fairs and workshops.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Work closely with case management and housing teams to address barriers to employment, including childcare, transportation, and training needs.
• Identify opportunities for clients to increase benefits, such as CalFresh, CalWORKs, or SSI/DI.
• Maintain regular communication with employers and clients to monitor job performance and retention.

Documentation and Reporting

• Document services and maintain accurate client records in compliance with organizational standards and databases (e.g., HMIS).
• Prepare reports on job development, placement, and client progress as required.
• Track and verify employment details, such as pay stubs and offer letters, to ensure outcomes are documented accurately.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field, or other field related to the provision of employment services; a combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Two years’ experience providing services to persons experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge of: general goals and purposes of public social services programs; techniques for interviewing and gathering information from varied populations; arithmetic skills sufficient to interpret participant income and expense information to identify general eligibility for services and benefits within program requirements.
• Demonstrated experience working with challenging populations; including those with criminal backgrounds, mental health, chemical dependency, emotional/behavioral issues, special education, and/or literacy issues.
• Ability to read, apply, interpret, and explain State and Federal regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned employment program areas and program guidelines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as time management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and any other database software(s) used to track service delivery.
• Strong ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate conflict and/or crisis situations.
• Experience using a data management system to record client information and interactions.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care and Practices a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively, but independently.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Employment with UBH is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Employment Eligibility Verification
• Reliable transportation
• Updated tuberculosis test
• Successful completion of background
• CPR/First Aid training
• Must have Valid CA Driver's License
• Must provide proof of insurance coverage
• Must be able to qualify for UBH drivers’ insurance coverage

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Human Resources Department by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform the Human Resources Department of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals experiencing housing insecurity and possess the skills and qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity as an Intake Coordinator/Life Skills Facilitator for our Interim Housing Program.

DISCLAIMER:

The Employment Services Department is currently undergoing restructuring. As a result, the responsibilities and expectations outlined in this job description may be subject to change to align with organizational needs and department priorities. Regular updates will be communicated as necessary.

Salary : $23 - $27