Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist
 
Organization Overview:
Community Services League (CSL), founded in 1916, is one of the Kansas City region’s largest social service providers. Through its mission and vision of collaborating on strategies that foster community stability and individual wellbeing, CSL maintains and delivers a variety of innovative anti-poverty programs that help move our community forward. CSL’s programming offers a full suite of case management, supportive coaching, and direct wrap-around services to assist our neighbors in creating stability in their lives and households. We assist individuals and families throughout the metro area, and, largely, our programming is in the areas of basic needs, family stability, workforce development, financial coaching, housing services, and community development.
 
Position Overview
The Employment Specialist will assist clients of Community Services League (CSL) pursue employment opportunities through encouragement, connections, and resources for the best possible employment outcomes. The Employment Specialist is expected to work well with others as part of the CSL team that includes staff, volunteers, interns, and board members to help CSL achieve its mission: “To assist communities in reaching their potential by providing immediate relief to people in need, assessing their situations, and providing solutions that lead to economic stability.” The Employment Specialist contributes to the accomplishment of Community Services League practices and objectives that will provide a client-oriented, high performance culture that emphasizes quality, productivity and standards, and ongoing process improvement. Employment Specialists are responsible for working one-on-one with job seekers who have disabilities, giving individualized services to meet their employment needs. The Employment Specialist will work with an Employment Team to share ideas and experiences and will build relationships with outside organizations to help persons served connect with resources they need to improve their employment outcomes. 
 
The position will promote CSL as a CRP (Community Rehab Provider) through attendance at various VR and MRA meetings and functions. The Employment Specialist may be asked to assist with other programs/events related to Community Services League.
 
Reports to:   Vice President, Employment Services
 
Responsibilities

• Effectively maintain and manage client caseload to include:

• Conduct intakes to obtain demographic and vocational information.
• Meet weekly with persons served for job readiness and job development.
• Assist client to remove barriers to employment.
• Evaluate need for assistive technology and/or accommodations.
• Conduct mock interviews.
• Create resumes and cover letters to match job descriptions.
• Employer contacts on behalf of clients/job development.
• Give extra job supports, when needed.
• Complete assessments for best vocational determinations.
• Other duties that ensure positive outcomes for persons served.
• Documentation of weekly meetings, progress, and/or concerns and send to VR Counselors monthly.
• Complete billings for each milestone met in a timely fashion.

• Provide exemplary customer service while presenting a high level of professionalism in attitude, behaviors, dress, and speech.         

• Implement  improvement suggestions to a variety of tasks that will align CSL processes with CARF requirements .
• Take an active part in Employment Services peer reviews/meetings.
• Maintain data entry for accurate documentation of services.
• Maintain outcome tracking for persons served.
• Ability to complete all required Vocational Rehabilitation trainings/certifications.
• Work in a positive and resourceful team environment.
  • Build and maintain viable relationships within the community. 
  • Utilize strong interpersonal communications and organizational skills.
  • Build and maintain trust with a diverse client population while maintaining boundaries and confidentiality.

• Must be able to effectively use time management skills with flexibility to mutli-task.
  • Continue development by attending conferences, trainings, organizational events, and staff meetings.
  • Utilize social media for program marketing and communications.
  • Attend CSL supported events, after-work and weekend activities that support the organization. 
  • Manage paperwork and efficient detailed report writing.

• *To be considered, you must state on your resume and in your cover letter your experience working with people with disabilities.
• Bi-Lingual (Spanish speaking and/or other language) is preferred.
• Must be proficient in computer skills to include Word and Internet skills.
• Familiar with current job search processes including applications, resume development, online job search techniques, effective motivational interviewing.
• Believes in providing strong, encouraging customer service while maintaining confidentiality.
• Comfortable with being an advocate for others.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Problem solving abilities with the ability to listen to others.
• Be an active and engaged team player that can also work independently.
• Must have proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be trustworthy and willing to follow CSL’s Ethical Code of Conduct Policies.
• Must have valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and willingness to use personal car for business needs, such as transporting clients.
• Must be able to pass background check.
• Must provide proof of adequate automobile insurance coverage.

• Must have HS Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred:   Associate or Bachelor Degree in a related field, such as, human resources, job development, Social Services, rehabilitation, and have a minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Proven work history with experience in working with people with disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation or other like organization may be accepted in place of college Degree

• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Teamwork  - A team player with a high energy level, strong interpersonal and multi-tasking skills, enthusiasm, initiative and flexibility who will represent Community Services League in a professional and ethical manner at all times.

• Creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.
   
• Being present, leading with care and compassion, while delivering on the promise 'nothing about me without me' .
   
• Embracing and promoting the values of trauma-informed care.
   
• Prioritizing people above process, encouraging all voices, and respecting all choices.
   
• Accountability and transparency, acting with courage to build connections across communities, while finding new ways to grow ourselves and those we serve.