Employment Specialist

Street Sense Media (SSM) is a non-profit media company committed to ending homelessness by providing economic opportunities and powerful forms of self-expression to men and women living in extreme poverty. We work in a collaborative, dynamic and collegial environment for and with the people the organization serves.

The Employment Specialist serves SSM's vendors assisting them in their transition to further full-time employment. The Employment Specialist will work closely with SSM’s Case Manager and Director of Vendor Employment. They will work with both SSM Vendors and prospective employers to assist vendors in obtaining full-time employment.

Success is contingent on being able to thrive in a dynamic, fluid landscape.

Pre-requisites

• BA/BS in social work or a related field required and/or past experience (paid or volunteer) related to social services and/or homelessness
• Demonstrated commitment to disadvantaged populations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work semi-independently as part of a coordinated team

Goals

The goal of this position is to ensure that SSM vendors are able to secure and retain traditional full-time employment beyond their work selling our newspaper.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a thorough understanding of employment opportunities that match the skills and needs of SSM’s vendor population
• Work with prospective employers to form working relationships that increase the likelihood that our vendors will be hired
• Work directly with vendors to develop the skills and practices needed to obtain and retain employment, including interviewing skills, appropriate dress, resume development, and best workplace practices
• Develop and implement retention plans for vendors who have obtained employment
• Accurately and concurrently collect and maintain client related data related to program metrics and targets
• Attend all SSM Staff Meetings/Trainings
• Assist with fund raising efforts
• All other duties as assigned

Generous annual leave, health/dental/vision, pre-Tax 401K

Exceptional English language oral and written communication skills.