Employment Specialist at Safer Foundation in Chicago, IL

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment   General Summary: The Employment Specialist conducts client intake assessments and provides job coaching and employment readiness training as needed. Clients found to be job ready are matched with employment opportunities that fit their skills and abilities. The Employment Specialist is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with area employers and encouraging the hiring of Safer clients. The Employment Services Program is funded through the larger agency Title XX contract.   Performance Results Description   The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.   Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation.   Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Stakeholder Interface and Service • Complete registration, career interviews, employability assessments, and determine job readiness. • Provide each assigned client counseling and as needed coaching in the areas of resumes, interviews, hygiene and dress, communications, other soft skills and employment retention. • Academic and vocational training opportunities are discussed with each client to assess interest and aptitude regarding educational/career path goals. • Refer clients to community resources as appropriate. • Provide assistance to other team members as needed. Jobs developed, and qualified clients are shared with the objectives of finding the best job for the client and the best applicant for the employer.  • Performs other duties as assigned.   Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment • Client recruitment through internal and external referral sources and screen for eligibility. • Identify and recruit employers that offer quality jobs and successfully sell them on the benefits of hiring employees through Safer. • Provide such a high standard of customer service to existing Safer employers that they come to view Safer as a preferred source of employees. • Act as liaison between employer and client and assist in resolving problems when called upon to intervene. • The Safer concept is introduced to new employers with the benefits of hiring Safer clients outlined, (e.g., tax benefits, federal bonding program, etc.) to encourage commitment in working with Safer to fill hiring needs.   Tracking, Document, and Reporting • Enter and track client information including case notes, placements and retentions using in-house Salesforce data management system. • Complete all paperwork and contractual requirements accurately, completely and on time. All Safer standards are adhered to, including productivity standards.   Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of criminal justice system and area resources. • Ability to analyze assessment data to plan appropriate intervention. • Knowledge of local labor market and trends in hiring. Ability to establish rapport with potential employers. • Knowledge of community resources that can benefit Safer clients. • Knowledge of job search techniques including on-line searches, job boards, composing resumes, etc. • Skilled in motivational interviewing and active listening. • Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).   Education and Experience: • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Prior sales background helpful. • Three years prior experience working with individuals with criminal records.   Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace   Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans    www.saferfoundation.org   No Phone Calls Please