Employment Specialist - Housing

We are Hiring!

Job Posting: Employment Specialist

Location: Rochester, NY

Department: Housing Services

Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 hours

Schedule: M-F

Salary: $20.00-22.00

As a regional agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has been serving our community for over 100 years. We walk with people when they are at their most vulnerable as they journey toward independence to reach their full human potential, advocate for those in need throughout all stages of life; and work in partnership with faith communities of all denominations and those who are committed to addressing local needs.

If youre looking for an opportunity to express and explore your passion for helping others, then join a team that truly makes a difference DAILY, in people's lives. Don't miss out on being a part of something special!

General Description

The Employment Specialist supports individuals experiencing homelessness or transitioning into permanent housing by helping them achieve employment and income stability. This role provides individualized job readiness coaching, employment placement assistance, employer engagement, and ongoing retention support. The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with case managers, housing staff, community partners, and employers to help participants overcome barriers to employment and build long-term self-sufficiency. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff and is responsible for ensuring a trauma-informed care environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Support & Career Development

• Conduct vocational assessments and identify participant strengths, interests, skills, and employment barriers.
• Develop individualized employment plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Provide job readiness training, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace communication, and job search strategies.
• Assist participants with online job applications, email setup, and digital literacy skills.
• Support clients in obtaining employment-related documents such as identification, Social Security cards, work permits, and professional certifications.
• Provide ongoing coaching and encouragement to help participants maintain motivation and employment progress.

Employment Placement & Employer Relations

• Develop relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, training providers, and workforce development organizations.
• Match participants with appropriate job opportunities based on skills, interests, and readiness.
• Coordinate interviews, hiring events, and job fairs.
• Advocate with employers on behalf of participants when appropriate.
• Monitor participant employment retention and provide follow-up support after placement.

Case Coordination & Documentation

• Collaborate closely with housing case managers, behavioral health providers, and external partners to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in agency databases and case management systems.
• Track employment outcomes, participant progress, and program performance metrics.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and program planning activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Support participants experiencing barriers related to housing instability, transportation, criminal justice involvement, mental health, substance use recovery, or gaps in employment history.
• Assist clients in accessing supportive services, training programs, clothing resources, transportation assistance, and public benefits.
• May require travel to shelters, housing sites, workforce centers, and employer locations.
• Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches in all interactions.
• Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
• Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse
• Other duties as assigned

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory directions and perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Workforce Development, or related field preferred.
• Motivational Interviewing or Trauma-Informed Care training.

Experience:

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, behavioral health challenges, or housing instability.
• Experience with supported employment models, workforce programs, or housing-first programs.
• Knowledge of workforce development practices, employment resources, and job placement strategies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and community resources.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a trauma-informed environment.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCSs corporate compliance & ethics program. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
• Generous time off package and work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Join us and help make a positive impact on our community!

***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet