Employment Specialist - Workforce Development

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for an Employment Specialist to join our Workforce Development team!

An Employment Specialist provides community-based supported employment and education services to youth and young adults, utilizing the evidence-based Individual Placement & Support model. The Employment Specialist works to promote clients’ recovery and wellness by assisting them in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment that aligns with their preferences, strengths, and long-term career goals. Employment Specialists are also expected to create and sustain partnerships with various employers and educational programs in the community. This position also provides administrative support by maintaining client files, entering data, and completing required documentation in compliance with contracts.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $24.86 - $27.17 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide client-centered, trauma-informed in-person supported employment services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, diagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Individual Placement and Support model is adhered to and considered in interaction with and documentation of client-employment specialist engagement.
• Participate in regular field monitoring, training, and job shadowing in accordance with the Individual Placement Support model.
• Transport clients to job interviews, job shadowing opportunities, worksites, and supportive service agencies both during regular work hours and after hours, as needed to help them achieve their employment and education goals. Regularly and effectively assess and manage incidents and crisis situations, with calm, care, and positive regard for clients, using de-escalation and safety planning techniques as appropriate. 
• Attend job fairs and other outreach events in the community to promote the program as well as the agency.
• Conduct a minimum of 6 in-person employer contacts per week with hiring managers which are designed to develop relationships with employers and learn about their business and hiring needs; describe supports offered by the Workforce program, introduce potential job candidates from caseload that are appropriate to employer’s available positions.
• Apply interviewing skills to learn about individual client preferences, past experiences, hopes and concerns regarding employment; assess clients' vocational functioning utilizing background information and work experiences.
• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined employment or educational goals.
• Complete intake forms and recurring assessments with clients seeking supported employment or supported education services.
• Actively engage in the community alongside clients to conduct job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests of the people on their
• Provide individualized follow-along support to assist clients in seeking and maintaining employment and/or completing education goals.
• Develop an individual employment (and/or education) plan with clients. Incorporate input from internal team members, external partners working with the client, and/or family members, with permission.
• Write job support goals and steps with clients and incorporate input from larger client-centered team. Adjust plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Provide supported education, using principles of the Individual Placement & Support model, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Meet with LifeWorks staff regularly to provide coordinated wrap-around services for shared clients. Assist clients with developing job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview skills, soft skills, and presentation skills.
• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client-focused solutions.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure, and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry.
• Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card) and support clients with connections to community resources to ensure their basic needs are met.
• Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities.
• Provide budgeting support and financial literacy education to clients, including guidance on creating spending plans, understanding credit and banking, and developing long-term money management skills.
• Provide timely interventions and outreach services to clients when they appear to disengage from services.
• Ensure required client consents are collected and documented and that clients have a thorough understanding of the program prior to consenting to participate.
• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

For Bilingual Spanish-service staff only:

• Provide services and support in Spanish, translate documents, and assist in special projects related to the Spanish-speaking community.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or other related field, ;
• Requires 2 years related experience with youth and young adults, preferably in employment/education services, case management; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• CRM Software: 1+ years of experience working with a database tool to log and enter data.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions. 
• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations. 
• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients. 
• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.
• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days.
• Standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by individual program.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.  

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.  

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.