HVRP Employment/Housing Specialist

Position Summary:

The Employment/Housing Specialist works directly with veterans to address barriers to employment and secure safe, stable housing. This position conducts intakes and assessments, develops individualized employment and housing plans, facilitates job search and placement activities, and coordinates referrals to supportive services. The specialist also works closely with landlords, housing providers, and local employers to establish long-term partnerships that benefit clients.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct assessments to determine veterans’ employment and housing needs, skills, and career goals.
• Provide individualized job coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and employment readiness training.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers to create job placement opportunities for program participants.
• Assist veterans in overcoming barriers to employment by connecting them with supportive services and resources.
• Track participant progress and maintain accurate documentation of job placements and retention outcomes.
• Collaborate with case managers, vocational training programs, and veteran service providers to enhance employment success.
• Facilitate workshops and job fairs to connect veterans with employment opportunities. Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Ability to pass First level and NABS background clearance
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred)

Experience and Competencies:

• At least 2 years of experience in job development, housing navigation, or case management
• Familiarity with workforce systems, vocational assessments, and housing resources such as HUD-VASH, SSVF, or CoC
• Ability to coach participants through resume development, interviewing, and job retention
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, including experience with case files and service tracking
• Comfortable conducting outreach in the community and engaging with at-risk populations
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Ability to operate a computer and complete documents in Microsoft Word program formats or the ability to learn.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Military/Veteran is preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance are required; and
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you. CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test