Job Description

Join a team where your professional growth directly impacts vulnerable families across New York City by providing crucial housing services and eviction prevention legal support that helps clients achieve permanent, stable housing.

At NAICA, we’re committed to being an employer of choice by attracting top talent, fostering an engaging work environment, and providing the support you need to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

TitleEmploymentSpecialist

LocationNew York Metropolitan Area

Reports toDirector of Social Services

Pay Range:$24.72 - $24.72 per hour (effectively $45,000 - $45,000 per year)

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

StatusFull-time(35hourper week)

The successful candidate will assess residents’ interests, employment history, and aptitudes to develop tailored employment plans through vocational and educational counseling, referrals for skills development, job readiness preparation, training, and employment placement programs, leading to full-time or part-time unsubsidized employment.The Employment Specialist will collaborate with colleagues to address the vocational and educational needs of their caseload, contributing to program success while aligning with NAICA’s core purpose, values, and vision.

Primary Job Responsibilities/Duties

TheEmployment Specialist is responsible for, but not limited to: 

• Provide counseling andassistanceto clients to achieve employment and housing goals.

• Coordinate client employment training whileoptimizingcost containment toexpeditetheir return to work.

• Monitor and document client progress to ensure goals and objectives are met.

• Consult with clients to discuss options and goals, developing plans for accessing necessary services.

• Connect clients to external resources to support employment opportunities.

• Utilize assessment tools (CARES, Vocational Profile) toidentifysupport service needs and makeappropriate referrals.

• Orient clients to the shelter program, including requirements and consequences.

• Develop andmaintainclients’ Independent Living Plans (ILP) and Psychosocial records via CARES.

• Assistnon-working clients in obtaining Public Assistance.

• Track andmonitorclient progress or lack thereof through documentation in CARES.

• Facilitate group or individual sessions to motivate and empower clients in their planning andgoal setting.

• Conduct weekly or bi-weekly meetings with clients, or as needed.

• Referclients for job development andsubsequentemployment opportunities whenappropriate.

• Direct clients to resources to support theirgoalattainment.

• Provide after-care services to address issues, challenges, and successes, enhancing long-term self-sufficiency.

• Maintain client files, including conversations, warnings, progress reports, and documentation of all incidents via CARES.

• Report critical incidentsimmediatelyto the Director of Social Services.

• Collaborate with Housing Specialists and Case Managers to assess client readiness for employment and/or housing.

• Treat all clients, visitors, and employees with kindness, respect, and dignity.

• Refer clients to internal and external resources, serving as an advocate when necessary.

• Develop and sustain connections with other programs and units within the organization for inter-agency referrals.

• Substitute for other employment staff as needed.

• Performadditionalduties asrequired.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and bend over.

• Ability to lift, reach, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

• Ability to travel todifferent locationswithin New York City, as needed.

Work Environment / ScheduleRequirements:

• Staff must continue working past their shift unless relieved by another staff member or authorized to leave by a supervisor. Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

• May berequiredto work on or during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field with a minimum of two (2) years of direct social service experience; OR,

• Associate degree in Human Services or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of direct social service experience; OR,

• High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with a minimum of eight (8) years of direct social service experience.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to be compassionate yet firm whilemaintainingconfidentiality at all times.

• Knowledge of community resources.

• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and listen effectively.

• Capacity to remain calm in crisis situations.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively under pressure.

• Exceptional organizational skills, with a detail-oriented and efficient approach.

• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment.

• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English for administrative purposes.

• Must pass drug screening to be appointed.

• This position may be subject to a series of investigations before and after appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NAICA is an equal opportunity employer committed tomaintaininga diverse workforce and inclusive work environment. As such, discrimination in any aspect of hiring or employment based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), or other applicable legally protected characteristics is strictly prohibited. 

Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. NAICA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. NAICA also offers reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Applicants seeking an accommodation for any part of the application or interview process should contact Human Resources by sending an email toHumanResources@naicany.orgwith the Subject “Reasonable Accommodation Request.” 

Competitive Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for full-time employees 

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plans 

• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees 

• Paid Holidays and Vacation 

• Paid Time-off 

• Vol Life Insurance and AD&D 

• Term Life and AD&D insurance 

• Long Term Disability 

• Employee Assistance Program support (EAP) 

• Commuter Benefits Program 

• Aflac: Short-Term Disability, CA, Accident and Hospital 

• Employee Discount Program 

False Statements

Misrepresentation of your experience, skills, education, or other qualifications, or submission of false/fraudulent information or documentation during or after the application process may result in the rejection of your application or termination of your employment.  

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

While wesincerely hopeto form a long and mutually beneficial working relationship, NAICA is an at-will employer. Therefore, employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without notice or cause, at the discretion of you or the organization.