Employment Placement Specialist at Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolina's (V in Baltimore, Maryland

Job Description:

FUNCTION:

The Employment Placement Specialist is responsible for assisting residents’ with employment needs.  The position functions as a job service liaison for the program, networking with local business leaders, establishing commitments to employ residents, facilitating placements, and providing follow-up.  This position will also provide vocational training assistance, individual and group counseling, and post release follow-up relative to employment with the community.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Assesses needs of offenders as related to employment, vocational and/or educational  needs.


• Develops and coordinates community resources.


• Serve as a Liaison to local businesses.


• Participates in the intake, screening and assessment procedures.


• Maintains offender and service records according to established procedures.


• Assist offender and service records according to established procedures.


• Provide training on proper dress and interview techniques.


• Develop an employment resource file,


• Assist offenders by accessing computer-based technology and resources which include care assistance software and on-line resources for the offender.  The EPS will be fully aware that offenders are strictly prohibited from using the Internet.


• Assist offenders in obtaining and maintaining employment.


• arrange and monitor on-site training.


• Provide job coaching.


• Maintain communication with offenders’ employer and document accordingly.


• Visit job sites to provide assistance to offender and employers.


• Identify potential employment opportunities for resident


• Participates in staff meetings and training sessions, and assists in  providing training.


• Communicates resident’s needs and progress with Resident Service Coordinators, employers, and collaborating agencies.


• Assists in employment readiness.


• Prepare weekly program reports on residents’ status and activity.


• Establish and maintain a community resource and referral index.


• Provide assistance with locating employment job fairs on-site or in the community.


• Perform employment verifications and maintain accurate communications with the OP Inmate Placement Administrator.


• Provides case management services as needed or directed.

REQUIREMENT:

Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and have two years of experience related to job development and placement assistance.  Experience with corrections is preferred.  Applicants may substitute an Associate’s Degree in a related field and three years experience.

Most importantly, the successful candidate must be able to develop effective working relationships with the offender population, other service agencies, and the general public.  Must also be able to provide effective training, prepare written reports, and maintain client documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.


• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.


• The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.


• Move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment.


• Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.


• The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:

• Helps residents to re-enter work force and community.


• Facilitates residents’ successful completion of the program.


• Insures that the residents’ vocational plan complies and program guidelines and requirements of release.


• Insure that all documentation pertaining to residents’ services is completed in compliance with agency policies and release requirements.


• Promotes and maintains a positive public image for the program.


• Provides the community with information about the program, and the employment potential of the residents.


• Ensures compliance with contractual obligations.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.