JOB DESCRIPTION:
Position Title: Bilingual Employment Specialist
Department: Vocational Services
Reports to: Director of Vocational Services
Employment Status: Full Time
FSLA Status: Exempt
Salary: $52000 - $62500
The Vocational Services Program at Interfaith Works equips people transitioning out of homelessness and other low-income residents of Montgomery County to achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment while meeting the needs of employers by providing qualified dependable employees looking to build long-term careers. We are seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Vocational Counselor to join our team.
The work we do changes peoples lives. Getting a job can have a powerful ripple effect that starts with the individual and expands to their family their community contributes to the local economy and can reduce dependence on social services. Our approach is based on always putting our clients first while simultaneously coaching them through a job search process that is disciplined focused and requires client engagement and accountability. We believe in the work that we do and are seeking a qualified and dedicated candidate who wants to contribute to our mission.
Lead clients through a structured targeted job search process providing individualized counseling coaching and skillbuilding.
Conduct vocational and skills assessments for program participants.
Deliver jobreadiness training including resume preparation interviewing practice and application support.
Provide ongoing encouragement and support to promote accountability and confidence throughout the job search.
Build and maintain relationships with area employers to generate job leads.
Identify free or lowcost training and education opportunities that support client career goals.
Support clients with employment retention strategies after job placement.
Collaborate with case managers therapists and other service providers to ensure coordinated client support.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES)
Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience.
A minimum of one years experience working with low-income populations or with those experiencing homelessness is preferred.
Fluency in Spanish and English.
Strong interpersonal communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
Valid drivers license and safe and reliable transportation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office365 (Word Excel and Outlook) with experience using virtual meeting tools such as Zoom or Teams.
Effective organizational skills in documentation service planning and follow-up.
Comfortable using the database Dynamics 365 to record clients progress.
Experience in preparing effective resumes and cover letters is preferred.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a high-functioning team; creative problem-solving and capacity to multitask and prioritize.
Knowledge of supported employment programs for clients with co-occurring disorders mental illness or other lifelong disabilities is a plus.
Knowledge of the DC Metropolitan Area labor market and familiarity with local industries and sectors is a plus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers handle or feel objects tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand walk sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
BENEFITS
Interfaith Works offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. Employees receive 14 paid holidays and 21 days of PTO. Benefits for full-time employees those who work 30 hours per week or more include access to subsidized medical dental and vision costs for employees and their families; employer paid long-term disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance. Employees have the option to purchase supplemental benefits that are fully portable including short-term disability insurance critical illness insurance and more. All employees regardless of full or part time status have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to them.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge skills or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an at will relationship.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit a resume with their application to be considered. Applicants must apply through this link. Please send any questions about the application process to
Required Experience:
IC
Interfaith Works (IW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs, and employment programs to over 35,000 residents of Montgomery County, MD, located within the DC Metro area, every year.