Overview
The Employment Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families as they work toward meaningful employment. This position focuses on assessing client needs, coordinating services, and advocating for their well-being.
Success in this role is defined by:
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Building strong, collaborative relationships with local employers.
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Guiding clients with personalized support, knowledge, and resources to achieve realistic employment goals.
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Helping clients overcome barriers, build confidence, and access opportunities that foster long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and reintegration into the community.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference in people’s lives while strengthening workforce connections in the community.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Provide individualized career counseling, job readiness training, and employment planning
- Assist clients with resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers, training providers, and community partners to create employment pipelines
- Conduct assessments to identify clients’ skills, interests, and employment barriers
- Connect clients to vocational training, apprenticeships, and educational opportunities
- Track progress, maintain accurate case notes, and report outcomes in accordance with program requirements
- Collaborate with case managers, social workers, probation/parole officers, and housing specialists to ensure holistic support
- Facilitate workshops and group sessions on employment-related topics
- Advocate for fair hiring practices and second-chance employment opportunities
Qualifications
- BA degree or experience in a mental health or human services related field.
- Experience or knowledge of barriers for gaining employment for the population we serve
- Excellent communication skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of substance use disorder, prevention, and risk factors
- Basic understanding of mental illnesses
- Basic understanding of chronic illnesses
- General knowledge of Ulster County’s human services agencies.
- Knowledge and sensitivity to vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of the justice involved population
- Clean Valid Driver License
- Registered, insured vehicle in operating condition
- SEC Clearance
- Justice Center Clearance
- Knowledge of Human Development over the Life Span
- Knowledge of Person-Centered Care
Hours and Pay Rate
This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position located in our Kingston, NY office. The pay rate is $18.67 per hour. Family of Woodstock offers a benefits package the included agency-funded health care, dental and vision programs, generous paid time off, and more.