Full-Time, Union, Non-Exempt Position

$19.29 per hour, 40 hours per week

BASIC FUNCTION OF DOC EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST:

To provide job search assistance services to client residents of the program. Includes assessment of skills, identification and facilitation of training and developing relationships with local employers for job placement opportunities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOC EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST:                                                                  

• Provide job search assistance to the forty-eight (48) residents of the program.
• Assess client skills/goals and relate them to employment opportunities.
• Assess employment training needs and identify skill gaps.
• Facilitate job skill and readiness training through workshops and auxiliary services.
• Monitor client independent structured job search on a bi-weekly basis.
• Maintain job search/placement records in agecncy software system.
• Perform ongoing labor market research and development of an employer base in order to stay current with job market opportunities and needs.
• Research relevant agencies and service providers in the area, and develop collaborative relationships.
• Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF DOC EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST:

• 2 years of case management experience or, in lieu thereof, AS in Human Services-related field, plus 4 years of experience, or similar combination of education and related work experience.
• Residential program experience preferred. 
• Experience in State benefit assistance highly desired.  
• Valid CT Driver's License.
• Bilingual Preferred(Spanish).

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disabiltiy

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 27 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance and Weatherization
• AIDS / HIV Prevention
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Employment Education and Training
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services