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Posted August 20, 2026

Employment Specialist

HOPICS
Los Angeles, CA, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description
Special For Service Groups
Job Announcement

Job Details:
  • Title: Employment Specialist
  • Division: HOPICS
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt- Full Time
  • Supervisor: Employment Advancement Manager
  • Pay Range or Rate: TBD
  • Revised: 3.21.2022
Summary
Under the direction of the Employment Advancement Manager, the Employment Specialist will provide case coordination and employment services for the participants enrolled in our family programs.
Essential Functions:
The tasks, duties and responsibilities of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Collect, interview, and assess client information regarding education, previous employment experience, skills, interest, qualifications, and personal information.
  • Administer Employment Readiness Assessment to gather further information about the client’s readiness for employment and refer clients to appropriate employment opportunities.
  • Assist clients with identifying possible career options and providing job placement assistance.
  • Linking clients with the local Work Source Center.
  • Assist clients with developing and assembling information for and the completion of job applications and resumes.
  • Draws from existing contacts and continuously cultivates and maintains a network of prospective employers to initiate and promote the placement of HOPICS clients.
  • Conducts cold calls to potential employers.
  • Travel to various worksites to outreach to/ recruit prospective employers; and/or drive clients to interviews, job fairs, or other agencies (i.e.. local social security office, DMV) to obtain necessary documents for employment.
  • Establish rapport with clients and employers to aid in successful achievement of client and contractual goals.
  • Meet with employees/employers to discuss performance and offer suggestions for improvement when necessary.
  • Responsible for oversight of Transitional Service Employee program and staff
  • Works in collaboration with the Southeast Los Angeles Work Source Portal
  • Develop and maintain current industry specific data on employers, labor market trends, placements, program outcomes, sources of service, and current job openings/leads.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation referrals and linkage system with internal programs and other agencies.
  • Provide Quality Assurance to ensure orderly and updated files (paper and electronic- scanning).
  • Communicate and coordinate with community agencies for needed client services.
  • Supervise client’s progress and provide follow up services up to 6 months after they exit program.
  • Outreach and develop working relationships with other agencies whose services will be beneficial to clients.
  • Track Agency’s compliance with performance targets.
  • S/he will assist in trainings and provide support to necessary staff, providers, and other project partners participating in project.
  • Enter case notes into CHAMP and HMIS within 48 hours of client encounter.
  • Submit weekly report on referrals and placements every Friday.
  • Required to monitor and reinforce client progress and noncompliance report issues as they arise and document as needed (behavioral contract; termination forms; progress notes).
  • In collaboration with the Southeast Work source portal, plan coordinate and co-host at least three (3) job fairs per fiscal year.
  • Represent HOPICS in the community (HOPICS sponsored outreach events/meetings; community provider sponsored outreach events/meetings).
  • Contribute to the obtainment of all contractual performance targets and the obtainment of division wide goals and performance outcomes.
  • Attend required trainings.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and adhere to SSG’s Code of Ethics and HOPICS’ Core Values.
  • Represent the Agency in a professional manner at meetings and community events.
  • Maintain files/records on client services in compliance with HIPAA & CFR42 and other funding requirements for auditing purposes.
  • Regular attendance required.
  • Other duties as needed.
Secondary Functions: Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager for Housing Services.

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Associates Degree in Social Services or other administrative, business or housing field is required from an accredited or state approved college or university, with a minimum two (2) years job related experience working with homeless individuals and families
  • OR five years’ experience working in social service field; case management and homeless program experience preferred. If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol free is required.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database programs. Knowledge of resource development, case management and documentation.
  • Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Bilingual, read, write and speak Spanish.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally. Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Clearance.
  • TB test required (Not more than (3) month prior to or (7) days after Date of Hire, and renewed annually thereafter),
  • CPR and First Aid Certification required within 30 days of employment with company and valid Driver’s License and auto insurance required.
  • Reliable transportation is required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
  • Experience working with homeless families and children,
  • DCFS as well as an experience with placing homeless families into permanent housing.
Mandatory Covid19 Vaccination Requirement:
COVID-19 Vaccination Required:
  • All staff are required to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated and to submit vaccination record to the HR Department during new hire orientation.
  • Fully COVID-19 vaccinated (2 weeks from last vaccination dose to be considered fully vaccinated)
  • Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles
Non-Essential Qualifications: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions):
  • This position is responsible to work in “client friendly” environments and is required to visit other shelters and homeless access centers as part of their duties.
  • Local automobile travel is required.
  • There is some responsibility to work in noisy environments where children and adults are present.
Physical Requirements:
  • The Case Manager typically spends time sitting, standing, typing, thinking, writing, walking, driving, carrying (max. 25 lbs.), listening, speaking.
Mental Requirements:
This position will require the individual to be able to handle any/all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules: be able to process information, think and conceptualize.
Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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