Employment specialist

Position Description:

The Supported Employment Specialist provides individualized employment services to residents who face multiple and complex barriers to employment, helping them build skills, stay motivated, and obtain and maintain employment. The position provides employment-readiness training, job development and placement support, hands-on coaching, and ongoing resident support within FC’s supportive housing communities. Through a person-centered, strengths-based approach, the Employment Specialist promotes resident choice, independence, community integration, and successful employment outcomes while maintaining required documentation and program standards.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive employment-readiness training and support to residents, including interview preparation, resume writing, hard and soft job skills, computer literacy, and use of online job-search platforms. Develop job referrals, assist residents with completing applications, facilitate job placements, and support food handler certification and other relevant training opportunities to strengthen residents’ skills and competitiveness in today’s job market.
• Support the Supported Employment Program in assisting residents who face barriers to employment, (extended absence from the workforce, mental health challenges, criminal backgrounds, etc.). Train, coach, and support SE participants in their assigned positions, including providing hands-on support and working alongside employees as needed. Periodically provide coverage for SE positions, including picking up and delivering food pantry items and assisting with food distribution and sorting.
• Maintain and develop collaborative partnerships with community organizations, local employers, and community business leaders to identify, develop, and secure employment opportunities for residents.
• Maintain ongoing communication with residents to identify employment-related needs and provide resident-driven services that promote choice, flexibility, community integration, and cultural and linguistic competence. Collaborate with the onsite resident services team to support residents in achieving their employment and other identified goals.
• Document services and resident interactions in compliance with grant requirements and FC documentation standards, ensuring timely submission to relevant personnel. Update and maintain employment consultation records, job search logs, resumes, and other program documentation as required.
• Foster professional relationships with residents through respectful, kind, and accessible interactions, maintaining a person-centered, strengths-based approach.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least one year of experience in Supported Employment, Job Development, Workforce Development, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and understanding when working with individuals who experience multiple and complex barriers to employment, including personal, social, and systemic barriers.
• Strong computer and technical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products, web navigation, online job-search platforms, and other employment-related technology.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and develop creative solutions to complex challenges while remaining calm and professional under pressure.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License, current vehicle registration, and a good driving record required. Must have reliable access to a vehicle and be able to drive throughout the Austin area, as frequent local travel is required.
• Ability to lift and carry 25–50 pounds repeatedly and perform physical tasks associated with supporting Supported Employment positions, including food pickup, delivery, distribution, and sorting.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and to safely operate a vehicle.

Work environment: The work conditions usually take place in an office-type setting in supportive housing communities. Travel between sites is frequent and required.

Compensation

$24 - $27.50/hour

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

Foundation Communities provides an excellent benefits package including employer paid health benefits, 401(k) investment opportunity, Employee Assistance Program, paid vacation, holiday, and sick time.

Foundation Communities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation & gender identity.