Employment Services Specialist

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Bridges to Independence is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families move out of poverty and into stable, independent futures. We offer a continuum of aid and support for all family members, helping them attain financial security and self-sufficiency. The Supportive Services team assists individuals in our Emergency Shelter, Emergency Overflow Shelter, Rapid Rehousing, and the Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Services Center (BAJCSC). We also support programming alumni through employment services, workforce development, youth development, and community-based resources.

The Employment Services Specialist will primarily focus on supporting individuals in our Emergency & Overflow Shelters by providing employment readiness training, career counseling, and workforce development programs to help them secure stable employment and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

NONE

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement customized employment programs for shelter residents.
• Provide personalized career counseling, resume assistance, interview coaching, and job search support.
• Build and nurture partnerships with local employers, workforce agencies, and vocational training providers to create job placements and internship opportunities.
• Facilitate job readiness workshops covering topics such as soft skills, workplace etiquette, financial literacy, and overcoming employment barriers.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who assist with employment services in the shelter environment.
• Collaborate with Housing Stabilization Specialists to incorporate employment services into comprehensive client support plans, addressing employment barriers such as childcare, transportation, and job retention.
• Monitor and track client employment outcomes to ensure progress towards self-sufficiency goals.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports on program participant employment outcomes for internal and external stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, private donors, and funders.
• Advocate for employment policies that assist marginalized communities and lower workforce entry barriers.
• Maintain accurate case records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and ensure data accuracy for reports.
• Assist with HMIS reporting by collaborating closely with the Intake and Data Coordinator to ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS /ABILITIES

Always maintain a professional atmosphere.

Communicate regularly with supervisors, colleagues, and stakeholders, relaying necessary/essential information.

Attend training and professional development opportunities regularly.

Support team

Perform other general duties to support the organization’s mission, as requested.

Collaborates across Bridges’ Employment services, Youth Development, Rapid–Rehousing Program, Bridges Service Center, and Shelter Services

Strong knowledge of Rapid Rehousing models, Housing First principles, local housing resources, and Arlington County’s best practices.

Excellent organizational, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

Proficiency in data management systems (e.g., HMIS) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Exposure to emotionally challenging situations requires patience and resilience.

Work primarily takes place in shelter settings with occasional travel for meetings and field trips.

May require lifting up to 25 lbs., standing for extended periods, and engaging in recreational activities with youth.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate shall possess a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field and at least two years of community-based social services experience or other related experience with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, housing instability, or lived experience. This position requires the ability to work independently, with limited supervision. Able to work a flexible and staggered schedule to accommodate program participant meetings. The ability to successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record to be approved by our insurance carrier. Requirements include interacting and communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, and proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other web-based databases.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE

Low-barrier homeless services training

Harm Reduction Training

Crisis Intervention

De-escalation Techniques

CPR Training & First Aid Training

Housing Grant Information Session

Narcan Training

SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Training

Rapid Rehousing 101 Training

Pets & Homelessness Training

Motivational Interviewing

Self Determination Training

HMIS Training and Refresher Training

Violence Against Women ACT (VAWA) Training

Centralized Access System (CAS) Policy Training

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Eligibility Information Session

Arlington Landlord Partnership Refresher

Lead Paint Training

Housing Grant Information Session

Housing Inspector Training

Assertive Engagement Training

Mandated Reporter Training for Child & Adult Protective Services

McKinney-Vento Refresher Training

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand or Sit: As needed.

Walk: As needed

Use Hands/Fingers: 100%

Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance Ascend/descend: As needed.

Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl: 100%

Talk/Hear Communicate: 100%

See: 100%

Carry Weight, Lift/Move: As needed.

Bridges to Independence is proud to be an EOE/ADA employer.