Employment Specialist

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CETRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Employment Specialist

LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light/Employment Services

REPORTS TO: Employment Services Manager

PEOPLE MANAGER: No

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 204

PAY RANGE: $19.83 - $23.79

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

PROGRAM/CLIENT ENVIRONMENT

The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest in a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

JOB SUMMARY

Application and assessment, orientation to the program, transitional job placement, job skills training (hard skills), job readiness training (soft skills), supportive services, permanent placement services, retention services, employment incentives, and program review is provided to clients in the Employment Services Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops and maintains relationships with employers to provide employment opportunities for clients.
2. Provides assessment of potential clients for the program and determines eligibility and placement.
3. Provides orientation of clients to the program.
4. Ensures that clients are fully participating in their program with weekly evaluation reviews.
5. Maintains a caseload of clients (per contractual/fiscal, and agency specifications).
6. Ensure all forms are completed, and files are maintained accurately.
7. Provides training to the program participants on employment readiness topics.
8. Coordinates with trainers, counselors, and supervisors to ensure quality programming.
9. Provides case coordination and follow-up for clients.
10. Troubleshoot problems with clients and employers to maintain employment.
11. Ensure compliance with all funding guidelines and Salvation Army policies.
12. Represent The Salvation Army at a variety of conference and meetings as assigned.
13. Maintains statistics and enters data into City databases as assigned.
14. All other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a human service field, 4 or more years of experience will be considered.
• Experience: One year of experience in employment counseling and training, or resource development.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Employment Services Manager informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use office equipment and a PC.
• Must be able to lift to 25lbs.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• This position must work with clients that have poor social skills, mental illness, and substance abuse problem.

COMPETENCIES

• Must possess a valid Illinois Drivers' License and clear the Salvation Army MVR check.
• Must be capable of operating a vehicle in typical/seasonal weather conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to use diplomacy and good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work cooperatively with others and as a team member.
• Understand addiction issues and principles.
• A "hands-on" knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.
• A willingness to uphold and promote the mission of The Salvation Army.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the Employment Services Manager.
• In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of the Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

THE SALVATION ARMY 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.