Opportunity WORKS Employment Specialist

Business: Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc.

Location: Westminster

FULL TIME • PERMANENT

Business Product/Service: Non-Profit

Business Address:
10 Distillery Drive
Westminster, Maryland 21157

Phone: (410) 386-6622

Contact Name: Diane Steckel
Title: Human Resources Manager
Email: dsteckel@hspinc.org
Website: https://hspinc.org/

Job Description

Provide pre- and post-employment support services for high barrier participants; barriers including substance abuse, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, homelessness, and predominantly ex-offenders. Responsible for assessing participant barriers to employment, establishing employment goals, providing ongoing job development, training, and case management with the goal of obtaining and maintaining employment.

Essential Functions:
• Independently manage dynamic caseload: conduct participant assessments to determine and reduce barriers to employment, refer participants to appropriate community resources, advocate on behalf of participant to help secure employment.
• Provide ongoing coaching and advocacy to promote adjustment to the work environment: help participants to develop employment skills, secure, and maintain employment.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files, per grant/funder requirements, this includes, but is not limited to appropriate participant demographic and income information, signed program agreements, referrals, service plans, and progressive case notes.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry utilizing Community ServicePoint (CSP) and additional programmatic database(s) to enter universal data elements and track participant progress at identified milestones (i.e. 3 months, 6 months etc.).
• Work with participants to establish their SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time based) goals based on the results of barrier assessments and ongoing progress.
• Represent Opportunity WORKS and HSP at fairs, expos and other community events. Regularly conduct program outreach to target populations in our community.
• Connect participants with identified resources such as treatment, transportation, daycare providers, educational and employment opportunities, etc., develop and maintain professional rapport with clients to facilitate successful community integration and long-term case management support.
• Re-Entry Support: work with participants to have criminal record expunged and/or access Federal Bonding as appropriate, coordinate re-entry services with criminal justice system partners, prepare participants to talk about their criminal background and develop strategy to prevent recidivism.
• Pre-Employment Support: Assist job seekers in increasing their knowledge in a particular field and helping them focus on current requirements of employers; review applications, cover letters, and resumes of job seekers and provide comments and feedback as well as provide interview preparation and assistance.
• Job Readiness and Employment Support: facilitate career development and goal setting, coordinate appropriate resources and employment plan, match employment goals with participant abilities and interests, connect life supports and skill development with securing and maintain employment.
• Job Development: develop and maintain employer relationships, recruit potential employers, regularly communicate with identified employers, and follow up with employers after participant secures employment.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the HSP’s programs and community resources; work in tandem with HSP’s Integrated Services Team including Housing, Shelter, and Financial Education services to help participants access services and stabilize their lives.
• Develop and maintain positive rapport with program partners and funders, including Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Department of Social Services, Workforce Development, and Carroll County’s criminal justice system.
• Utilize motivational interviewing, strength-based, and trauma informed care strategies and techniques to deliver participant-driven case management; develop solid rapport with participants.
• Assemble data for Funder/Agency Annual Report, and additional monthly/quarterly reports as required.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidates for this position must possess the following: effective skills to accomplish the program goals and objectives; effective interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to take initiative and self-motivate. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong coaching skills: ability to organize and prioritize; strong project and time management skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups including those with mental health disorders, substance abuse history and Autism as well as volunteers required. Experience working with offenders and/or ex-offenders preferred. Must possess a high level of energy, motivation, and persistence. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have accurate data entry skills. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Candidates are required to have a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit. Must be positive, cooperative and supportive. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and proof of current automobile insurance required.

Educational Requirements: Candidates for this position are required to have high school/general diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree preferred. Prior experience in the human services field preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisory experience is required for participants, interns and/or volunteers.

Work Environment: This position has direct contact with participants and with all levels of personnel within the organization, consumers, vendors, and other agencies. Typical office setting.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full Time (40 hours/week). Some evenings/weekends are required for outreach and/or special events.

Travel Requirements: Travel to meetings/trainings and client transportation (in agency vehicle) required.

Other Job Requirements
Driver’s License, Driver’s Record Check, H.S. Diploma/GED, Background Check

Wages per hour: 17.51
Number of openings: 1
Overtime: NO
Benefits: YES
Medical, dental, vision, employer paid Life, Short and Long Term Disability, FSA, HRA, 401k with 3% match, PTO, generous holiday schedule

Days of Work:
MONDAY day hours  TUESDAY day hours  WEDNESDAY day hours  THURSDAY day hours  FRIDAY day hours
Shift: Day

How to Apply: Send resume to recruiting@hspinc.org
Willing to Train: YES
Experience Required: NO
Experience in Months:
Minimum Age: 18 & over
Closing Date: 05/10/2024