Employment Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist will cultivate relationships with area employers and conduct classes for refugees to enhance employability.

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need. Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ's mission in Central Texas. Positions at Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways. Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Develop, create, and maintain employment solutions for refugees and other displaced persons.
• Assess clients' employability and assist with development, formulation, and implementation of employment service plan, resumes and job applications.
• Identify job opportunities, assist with application completion, coordinate interviews, advocate for clients and follow-up with employers.
• Complete all case notes and program documentation, ensure accuracy and compliance within program guidelines and confirm timely delivery of services.
• Provides safe, timely, and supervised transport for clients to off-site appointments or activities as needed.
• Provide or organize on-the-job interpretation services as needed.
• Communicates, coordinates, and promotes programs within community and partners.
• Respond promptly to employer requests and inquiries.
• Assist the Program Manager to identify and implement actions to improve effectiveness as necessary.
• Prepare and submit all required reports and paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in appropriate community collaborations by cultivating positive relationships with relevant funding and monitoring entities, faith-based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.
• Maintain confidential client files, statistical records, and case notes.
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill in cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Ability to work within the parameters of a program budget.
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons.
• Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders, and community agencies.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25-county service region as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Years of experience may be substituted for the educational requirement at a ratio of one (2) years of full time wage earning experience equals one (1) year of education, with a substitution of eight (8) years' experience equals a bachelor's degree.
• Experience working with diverse populations, with refugee social service programs preferred.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must be certified in the Diocese of Austin EIM within 60 days of employment and maintain certification throughout the employment period.

WORK HOURS AND LOCATION

Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This position may require working some evenings and weekends. This position works at our Austin office with co-location opportunities at Texas Workforce.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25-county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25-county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.