The Employment Specialist, working in the Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program (HVRP), will case managed veterans experiencing homelessness in the Bi-State (MO & IL) areas placing eligible clients into stable employment and housing. The role will utilize best practices to assess client’s basic needs, make referrals as deemed appropriate, work to employ clients and monitor each client’s employment progress and retention. Hold individual counseling sessions with all program clients. Bachelor degree is required and a degree in Psychology, Sociology or Social Work is preferred. The salary range is $35,600 to $40,000 per year. There are two open positions. RESPONSIBILITIES •    Fulfill monthly contract employment related goals and housing placement goals •    Assess 9 eligible veterans per month •    Enroll average of 6 eligible veterans per month into program •    Placing average of 5 eligible veterans per month into program employment •    Work with Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team to ensure monthly average of 3 eligible veterans are placed and tracked for housing •    Ensure average of 1 eligible veteran for training certification per quarter •    Other quarterly goals met as assigned by manager •    Teach Job Readiness Classes to all employment clients according to content of class schedule as structured by program manager •    Perform job placement and job development •    Meet with client once a week until employed •    Work closely with client’s individual employment plan to ensure and maintain placement •    Cultivate strong relationships with area employers to ensure placement and retention •    Conduct 30, 60, 90, 180 and 1 year follow-ups with placed clients •    Contact clients and employers to record content of contact of monthly follow-ups and case notes in CaseWorthy (job retention, same job or different job, hourly pay, and/or job related information) •    Input accurate client information, documentation and verification requirements into files, CaseWorthy database •    Complete daily and monthly departmental paperwork •    Ensure files are compliant and meet grant standards and eligibility criteria •    Update daily client electronic files to include any type of client contacts within 24 hours of services •    Assess initial program eligibility at intake •    Complete an Individual Employment Plan assessment •    Assess and document client’s progress continuously •    Assess client’s training needs •    Meet with client on weekly •    Track client’s job interests and applications weekly •    Assess transportation needs of client and provide time appropriate bus tickets/bus passes/gas cards •    Provide vouchers for necessary job related new hire items including tools, clothing and shoes •    Assist client in obtaining needed documentation such as IDs or Licenses •    Research and provide job leads to clients weekly until placement •    Coach client on successful job retention techniques •    Maintain client’s employment placement retention progress on regularly scheduled intervals •    Perform veteran outreach •    Develop relationships with MO and IL area service providers •    Search for eligible veterans through MO and IL area service providers •    Recruit eligible veterans •    Attend bi-annual Greater St. Louis Area Stand Down and benefit fairs •    Research additional benefits available to enhance provided service •    Address other service needs of client by referring additional resources (legal assistance, VA benefits, substance use counseling, etc.) •    Other duties as assigned by manager ADDITIONAL ROLE REQUIREMENTS •        Requires Class E Driver License (MO residents only) •        Requires reliable transportation •        Requires valid and current auto insurance •        Work a minimum of 37.5 hours a week

DIRECT REPORTS                    

None KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE         •    College degree Required •    BSW or related field preferred or equivalent experience with proof of ability to perform effective case management •    Knowledge of employment, housing, and other supportive service resources SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED •    Interest in helping veterans reach their full potential •    Ability to work well with a diverse and wide range of people •    Ability to work with budgets •    Possess good math skills •    Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, client centered databases and client and program centered data entry •    Ability to handle confidential information •    Ability to remain calm in stressful situations •    Ability to process a large volume of paperwork •    Ability to follow, understand and meet grant requirements, including paperwork •    Ability to follow directions, including structural changes, and understand job descripion and duties •    Ability to organize, time manage and pay attention to detail •    Have an maintain positive work attitude RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED •    Reports to HVRP Manager •    Works with other veteran employment specialist staff •    Works with staff in other programs •    Networks with other federal, state and local agencies •    Works with HVRP clientele RESOURCES •    Job Readiness Class curriculum and materials •    HVRP housing assistance •    Veterans materials and programs •    Client records and reports •    Transportation, clothing, work tools and documentation assistance •    Emergency food pantry •    Other resources as needed

BENEFITS

•    Medical, dental and vision insurance •    Paid life insurance •    Long-term disability insurance •    Flexible spending account •    403b with company match •    Holiday pay •    Paid time off (self-care days, birthday and personal day) •    Paid paternity and maternity leave •    Paid sick days •    Wellness perks •    Employee appreciation days •    Learning and development resources •    Flexible Workplace Policy •    And much more!