PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Employment Specialist is responsible for assisting clients with finding jobs. Assess the

educational and skill levels of clients, determining their occupational readiness, conduct

workshops, and provide employment counseling to build client abilities and enhance job-search

skills. Perform community outreach, and advocacy to build partnerships with potential

employers, maintain a job resource bank that meets the job skill level of clients and offer

training/internship opportunities for clients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist low-income families and individuals to be proactive with employment applications,

assisting clients with obtaining evidence of eligibility, and participating in advocacy and case

conferences to streamline the application process.

• Screen, assess and counsel clients, assisting unemployed populations, including former

inmates, people with disabilities, and other marginalized populations.

• Provide placement opportunities.

• Evaluate and screen recruitment resources.

• Conduct research on what are the key attributes for candidates best suited for positions and

utilize this in client counseling and workshop sessions.

• Maintain and manage a job resource bank and a resume database to facilitate sourcing and

tracking.

• Assist clients with updating their resumes and profile and scheduling interviews.

• Work with Case Management and Benefits coordination staff to assist clients with

constructing and sending applications.

• Manage and post available positions at BPHN facilities for clients to have access.

• Serve as the key liaison to candidates, internship sponsors and employers.

• Apply Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention and other strength-based

techniques including harm reduction, to successfully engage clients and facilitate their ongoing

involvement in the development and execution their service plans, improving their ability to

remain housed permanently and to embark on a path towards economic stability.

• Coordinate with the on-site HRA staff person or other benefits/entitlements staff to expedite

the processing and triage for client applications for rental assistance and benefits.

• Ensure that the right supports are in place for preventing eviction, including substance abuse

treatment, harm reduction, crisis counseling, parenting, financial counseling, budgeting,Bronx Parent Housing Network

Employment Specialist

September 27, 2018

housing advice workshops and ensure that provider relationships are maintained for optimal

client experience.

• Document all service delivery in CARES or other funder database as required including

documentation of: eligibility screening, comprehensive assessments, case conferencing, re-

assessments, client referrals to supportive programs and services accessed.

PROBLEM-SOLVING:

Maintain up to date knowledge and skills on information management systems, program

evaluation best practices, and analytics.

KNOWLEDGE:

Job duties requirea general familiarity with work similar to that provided by Bronx Parent

Housing Network programs, services and operations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Bachelor’s in Social Work, business human resources, human behavior and organizational

psychology or another related field. Employee must be proficient in written and oral English;

Written and oral Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.

Experience:

Prior experience in recruiting, communications, or community development.

Related Skills or Knowledge:

Exhibit excellent interviewing skills. Knowledge of entitlements/benefits programs, Employee

relations and employment laws and acts

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee

to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit,

stoop, use hands or fingers, or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb

stairs, balance, kneel, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-15

pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision. Must

be able to travel locally using public transportation.Bronx Parent Housing Network

Employment Specialist

September 27, 2018

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEES

Adheres to Bronx Parents Policies and Procedures. Acts as a role model within and outside the

agency. Performs duties as workload necessitates. Attendance and Dependability: the employee

can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work.

Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner

and is conscientious about assignments. Communication and Contact: the employee

communicates both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and

outside BPHN. Relationships with others: the employee works and communicates effectively

and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside

BPHN. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to

maintain constructive working relationships. Employee adheres to mission statement and

guiding principles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.41 - $25.78 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Jamaica, NY 11434 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person