Denver Field Guide for the Homeless & Working Poor

Employment Specialist, Career Services (Denver)

Company Description:
Founded in 1872, Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) is a nonsectarian, nonprofit human services agency serving Colorado. JFS believes in strengthening the community by providing vital services to vulnerable individuals and families. JFS offers a variety of programs to help those in need navigate life's challenges through integrated support. The full continuum of care includes helping older adults stay supported, connected, and engaged as they age while maintaining a high quality of life; providing quality mental health counseling and case management to children, adults, immigrants, and refugees; offering training, job placement, and community enrichment to people with disabilities; and providing housing stability, employment support, and food security to individuals and families. Every year, the agency serves thousands of individuals and impacts more than 25,000 people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes, abilities, sexual orientation, and gender identities. JFS does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. For more information about JFS, visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org

We are very proud of our work culture, including recently completing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assessment. JFS offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, Legal/ID Theft, supplemental insurances, company-paid Life/LTD, Employee Assistance Programs, Extended Illness Bank, 401(k), 19 paid holidays and a generous leave program. JFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Summary: Provides targeted employment support services to adults with the overarching goal of empowering job seekers to search for, secure, and retain long-term, meaningful employment.

Qualifications:
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in communication, social work or closely related human service field.
• Additional training or certifications in career development services is a plus!
Experience:
• Requires 1-3 years of career coaching experience or familiarity with employment support services (resume writing and interview coaching) to diverse populations of adults with barriers to employment.
Other:
• Knowledge and understanding of multiple job search and career-related topics, and changes occurring in Colorado's employment landscape.
• Effective addressing the needs of customers in a culturally responsive, empathetic way.
• Possess strong interpersonal communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and adapt well to changing priorities is helpful.
• Must have strong computer skills including the full MS Office Suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook), digital communication tools such as MS Teams, Zoom, CRM databases and enjoy supporting customers in a virtual or remote setting.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (proof required), subject to legally required exemptions.

Responsibilities:
Pre-Employment Activities
• Evaluate barriers to employment and assist clients in overcoming identified barriers.
• Help clients identify their key skills, strengths, and value to potential employers.
• Assist clients with job search activities, such as editing/writing resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles while also offering job search, interview skills, salary negotiation and online application support.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and modify career path(s) and job search plans with clients.
• Advise clients who are returning to work after a long break or layoff, pursuing a career transition or needing new skills by helping them handle stressful situations, offering constructive feedback and teaching how to overcome job fears.
• Coach clients on professionalism, workplace success skills, and understanding best practices to communicate with teammates and supervisors.
• Connect clients with other community employment resources such as certification, ESL, or digital literacy classes.

Additional Responsibilities:
A. Post-Employment Activities
• Maintain contact with clients for follow-up reporting and communicate regularly at 30-60-90 days and again at 1 year to discuss challenges, needs and successes.

B. Case Management Activities
• Input client information into databases (eLogic) as required.
• Communicate and collaborate with other employment service staff on status of client goals, progress, and employment.

C. Miscellaneous Duties
• Collaborate with community-based employment and resource agencies.
• Participate in inter-Agency programs and committees.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and agency information.
• Assist with coordination of Employment Service department programs such as job fairs and signature training events, etc.
• Provide community outreach and marketing support to highlight employment training workshops and one-on-one career coaching.
• Help facilitate career advancement workshops as needed.

How to Apply:
Submit cover letter and resume to: Jean Marshall, Chief Human Resources Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.