Covenant House California

Job Description for Employment Specialist, Oakland

Covenant House California (CHC) is a nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary and support for youth overcoming homelessness, ages 18-24. CHC believes that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves housing, food, clothing, education, and most importantly, to be loved. CHC provides a full continuum of services to meet the physical, emotional, educational, vocational, and spiritual well-being of young people.

CHC’s doors are open to youth and staff regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We believe that youth and team members deserve to be in an environment that is inclusive and affirming; where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and valued and appreciated for who they are. Maintaining a diverse community of youth and staff is key to our ability to achieve our mission most effectively. We are also committed to being a leader in advancing anti-racism, and to promoting opportunities for the free expression of the lived experiences of our youth and staff.

We are looking for people who, like us, believe that every young person deserves a place to belong. We think it takes all kinds of people to create diverse solutions to end youth homelessness and we are on a committed journey to build an inclusive and equitable work culture that brings out the best in everyone.In our Oakland location, which has been operating since 2005, we offer a full continuum of housing and support services to young people. Our program is continuing to grow and will be adding 20 new beds for young people over the next year.

As this position provides direct care to young people that are 18-24 years old, we require that applicants are at least 25 years old.

POSITION SUMMARY: Employment Specialists will assist youth experiencing homelessness in building employment skills and obtaining entry level and step up employment. The position will work with residents and non-residents of Covenant House California who are between the ages of 16 to 24. Essential functions of the position include job search coaching, job matching, development of internships for youth, networking in the business community, development and maintenance of business partnerships, case management, documentation, and includes a range of supportive duties spanning coordination of the intern program, clothing closet, facilitating job search groups, dissemination of external materials for posting, field work with clients, teaching of job prep curriculum, establishing partnerships with other agencies, etc.

Full-Time position, 40 hours per week.

SALARY RANGE: $22.50 / hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Case Management:

• Implement individualized plan that is created in conjunction with a youth’s Primary Case Manager as it relates to employability, job search skills, skills enhancement and job retention. Determine client’s ongoing needs in searching for employment; provide 1:1 support as needed.
• Hold regular meetings with assigned clients to address progress and refine focus of search.
• Ensure each client has the tools and skills to properly search for and find work—including job search techniques (online and personal contact), computer skills (for submitting applications), résumé, job applications, cover letters, follow-up, interview skills, etc.

Classes and Workshops:

• Teach assigned Job Prep curriculum course. Provide monthly workshops in areas of interviewing skills and retention.
• Coordination and facilitation of regular weekly, monthly and annual groups and events including, HOT JOBS group, Job Retention group, and CHC Job Fair.

Job Outings:

• Coordinate “job search” field trips and facilitate individual or small group meetings with clients.

Documentation:

• Ensures that all client files are complete, current, and in compliance with standards and grant requirements. Update daily log and input data into the database as requested by the Program Coordinator.
• Create written employment assessment and employment plan for each client[HF1] .

Service Integration:

• Ensure ongoing communication with other CHC departments serving their clients. As assigned, position will attend CHC program trainings, daily residential phase meeting and CHC taskforce meetings.
• Encourage and assist clients with enrollment into benefits and resources, including CalFresh and CalFresh E&T.

Job Search & Skills:

• Coordination and facilitation of the Professional Clothing Program
• Coordinate and post materials on external Job Fairs
• Research and post variety of applicable job listings for clients
• Coordinate and facilitate enrollment in educational/vocational training programs
• Coordinate and facilitate client incentives in employment

Outreach:

• Serve as liaison to external organizations promoting employment of youth
• Attend appropriate community events, to promote hiring of CHC youth.

Internship Program*:

• Oversee the on-site internship program including monitoring client’s progress and meet with internship mentors on a weekly basis, overseeing payroll for clients in the internship program.
• Oversee off-site internship program once established through the Job Developer contacts.

*Serve as a backup support and share duties of other Specialists.

*All other duties as assigned by the Director of Support Services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED preferred

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3 years of employment development experience working with at risk youth.

SKILLS: Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills. Must be computer literate (Word, Outlook, ACCESS, etc.) Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, clients, vendors and the public. CPR and PART 2000 training is preferred.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have a valid California Driver’s license and a good driving record and be able to drive residents to activities using CHC vans.

WORKING CONDITIONS: General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required. Full-Time 40 hours per week.

EQUIPMENT USED: Computers, calculators, fax machines, telephone, mid-size Van and other equipment required.