Employment Specialist

Program Overview:

The Employment Specialist will be working with senior job seekers under the Senior Community Service Employment (SCSEP) program, implemented by ACC Senior Services in Sacramento County. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans. Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Employment Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers senior job seekers to become job ready, and exit the SCSEP program for unsubsidized employment. The Employment Specialist is responsible to provide one-on-one mentorship for older adults with their job search activities, preparing their resume, preparing for the job interviews, and apply for the right type of jobs.

Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include intakes and assessments, employment preparation, job readiness training, placement support, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also will be working to establish and maintain a network of employers who are willing to hire seniors. This position is non-exempt (hourly) and reports to the SCSEP Program Manager. This is a temporary, part-time position with an assignment duration of up to six (6) months. This position provides sick time accruals at one hour of sick time for every thirty (30) hours worked. Temporary positions do not include other company benefits such as Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, Extended Medical Time Off, or health insurance (i.e., medical, dental, vision).

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing a comprehensive assessment of the participants to define their skills, interests, and what type of jobs they should be applying for.

• Providing job counseling to senior job seekers

• Conducting group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as online job searching, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.

• Developing engaging, tailored, and comprehensive employment plans for each employable participant.

• Keeping accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and, service provision records.

• Developing and cultivating long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for older adults.

• Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to participants and assisting participants in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

• Monitoring participants’ job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.

• Assisting participants and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.

• Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.

• Developing and coordinating training programs to assist with career development opportunities.

• Supervise and assist program interns and volunteers.

• Other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

May require proper knowledge and use of body and safety mechanics. Work may involve bending from the waist, twisting and lifting of objects which shall not exceed 35 pounds unless appropriate safety equipment is used. Compliance with all Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study; or equivalent work experience Minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience in human services field preferred.

• Supervisory or mentoring experience desired.

• Must complete a criminal background check and pre-placement physical exam.

• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment;

• Familiarity with the Sacramento job market strongly preferred;

• Ability to work as part of a team and to oversee volunteers and interns;

• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, multi-cultural environment;

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment;

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a team member

• Self-starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, take initiative, and manage time effectively.

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language is desired.

• Excels in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and online databases.

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel throughout the service delivery area.