Syracuse Community Connections is dedicated to being an advocate for our diverse community’s wellbeing through community empowerment, public health initiatives and education and recreation programs. Under the direction of the Chief Operations Officer, the Supported Employment Specialist will support and assist individual center participants (staff/volunteers) and individual community participants through a comprehensive, development program designed to guide clients in making and implementing career plans leading to middle skill level jobs. The Supported Employment Specialist role is one of advising and coaching underserved populations, including but not limited to veterans, returning citizens, GED/non-high school graduates, persons with disabilities and senior citizens and immigrants. They will guide clients through the process of assessment, advisement, training and development, and career mapping.

Essential Job Functions

• Specialists are expected to serve 85 unduplicated community members each year.
• Motivate, influence change and counsel others on important matters.
• Advise and coach under serviced populations including but not limited to veterans, returning citizens, GED/non-high school graduates, persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and immigrants.
• Analyze tasks and teach skills to job seekers with diverse learning styles Implement principles and practices associated with career service, human resources, workforce development, and coaching.
• Assist clients in understanding employment trends and current job search strategies, including but not limited to: RSS feeds, LinkedIn, on-line recruitment, applicant tracking protocols and networking strategies.
• Initially assess job seeking customer’s needs and make referrals to appropriate Goodwill staff or partners.
• Establish rapport and maintain relationships with internal and external partners, as well as people and businesses served in a facilitating manner.
• Seek out and support community involvement opportunities, social responsibilities and service.
• Abide by a strict code of confidentiality in all matters related to the position.

Bachelor’s degree required in rehabilitation counseling, human services, education, or related field. Experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Previous Experience Requirement

Minimum of two years’ experience in delivery of related human services, workforce development, and career coaching or education administration required. Bachelor’s degree preferred in the areas of rehabilitation counseling, human services, education, or related field. Experience may be considered in lieu of education.