Salary: $21.60 - $32.40 per hour

This full-time position is eligible for benefits.

The Employment Specialist supports job seekers on their path to building economic resilience by assisting with all aspects of career preparation, including resume writing, online job searches and applications, and mock interviews, while providing person-centered case management. As a part of a collaborative and dynamic team, provides personalized career coaching support as well as teaching skill-building to help adult job seekers increase confidence, overcome barriers, and secure high-quality employment. This position provides job development, employer outreach, and on-the-job coaching to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and other disabilities receiving services in community jobs. The Employment Specialist also acts as a liaison between clients, employers, and the ISE Program Manager to support job seekers in obtaining and maintaining employment.

Essential Functions:

• Works collaboratively with the ISE Program Manager to set up clients for employment success.
• Gains an understanding of clients holistically to best support them as they search for or begin a new job.
• Teaches basic job-seeking skills to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
• Supports job seekers in crafting resumes and cover letters. Assess computer skills and tailor training based on skill level.
• Teaches participants to use email, online applications, and job searching platforms. Conducts mock interviews and accompanies clients to interviews.
• Conducts outreach via phone, email, Zoom, and in person to recruit potential employers.
• Provides one-on-one job coaching, training, and intervention to individuals with IDD and other disabilities in their workplaces, with the goal of job retention and increased independence.
• Models appropriate workplace behavior for the client and coaches individuals on handling situations as they arise.
• Models respectful and dignified interactions with clients to promote positive interactions between clients and coworkers.
• Acts as a liaison, to the extent needed, between employers, clients, and the ISE Program Manager, and provides on-the-job support to the client and employer.
• Provides transportation to clients for purposes of job shadowing, interviews, meetings, and other employment-related activities, as needed.
• Supports client success in JFS vocational training programs and workshops by providing 1:1 and/or small-group support during and following classroom instruction to ensure clients fully grasp content and are equipped with tailored tools needed to earn credentials.
• Represents JFS at job fairs, hiring events, and community outreach activities, as assigned.
• Supports client growth through participation in collaborative team meetings, service plan meetings, timely incident report filing, and monthly contact notes.
• Attends required team and agency meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Preferred one to three years of relevant education or experience.
• Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred.
• Experience conducting employer outreach or assisting job seekers is helpful.
• If no prior experience, enthusiasm for supporting a diverse workforce and willingness to learn are highly valued.

Other:

• Ability to adapt to new workplace environments quickly and effectively.
• Ability to redirect clients when appropriate.
• Independently navigate new computer programs and job application platforms.
• Creative problem solver.
• Mission-driven and values-based approach to supporting clients and community inclusion.
• Work weekends and evenings, as needed, based on client’s job schedules.
• Effectively communicate with various stakeholders in a timely manner.
• A valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance are required. Employees must maintain a driving record that meets agency insurance requirements and be able to travel to multiple sites or community locations as part of regular job duties. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with agency policy.
• Ability to provide good client and customer service. This job requires being pleasant with others and displaying a cooperative attitude, while being detail-oriented and thorough in completing work tasks.

Certification/Licensing:

This position requires a current CPR certification.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Work Environment:

• Off-Site & In-Office Position: Work primarily takes place in the community with occasional requirements to be at the home office at 3201 South Tamarac Dr., Denver 80231. Work hours are generally during regular business hours, with occasional flexibility required to support agency needs.
• Essential physical requirements: Frequently sitting and typing. Must be able to physically assist clients, maneuver wheelchairs, and stand for prolonged periods. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and use standard office and mobile equipment.
• Physical effort/lifting: The employee may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds.

*If requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Jewish Family Service of Colorado serves vulnerable populations. To help protect the health and safety of our clients, employees, volunteers, and community, completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series is required prior to the start of employment.

Agency Overview:

JFS is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need, regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs.

We believe in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community. Founded 154 years ago, we offer more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, disability services, and farming. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family and providing the appropriate services, all from one organization. We continuously evaluate the evolving challenges of our community and adapt or develop programs that respond to the resulting needs.

JFS offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, Legal/ID Theft, supplemental insurances, agency-paid Life/LTD, Employee Assistance Programs, 401(k), 15 paid holidays, 8 hours of volunteer hours to use in different programs at JFS, and a generous leave program.