Social Practitioner – Employment Unit

NYDIS inspires, connects, and equips faith communities to serve our neighbors in times of crisis and suffering, by building pathways to recovery, resilience and social justice.Our vision is world where all people can mitigate or recover from crisis and thrive—with justice, dignity, and the unwavering certainty that they are valued and cared for unconditionally.

We are seeking dynamic a Social Practitioner to lead our Employment Unit in our new 600-member Adult Clubhouse on Manhattan’s Lower East Side/Chinatown neighborhood – Elements House-LES, a member of Clubhouse International. Reporting to the Clubhouse Assistant Director, the Social Practitioner (Employment Unit) will play a key role in supporting members’ vocational development through Transitional, Supported, and Independent Employment opportunities. This role promotes member empowerment, skill-building, and recovery by coordinating with local employers, training partners, and educational institutions to help members achieve economic independence and meaningful participation in the workforce. The position is open to U.S. Citizens or Green Card holders – any other applicants are required to have their own valid work authorization in place at the time of applying for NYDIS job openings.

Responsibilities:

• Work with members to identify employment goals, develop résumés, practice interviews, and explore career pathways.
• Coordinate Transitional Employment (TE) placements—including employer relations, on-the-job support, and member coverage during absences.
• Support members in securing and maintaining Supported or Independent Employment opportunities.
• Facilitate small-group workshops on workplace readiness, professional communication, and budgeting.
• Track outcomes and progress using AWARDS or other designated databases.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and workforce partners that align with Clubhouse employment standards.
• Conduct outreach presentations to potential TE partners and collaborate with workforce programs, local businesses, and community agencies.
• Promote member talents, success stories, and partnership visibility through coordinated communications with the Clubhouse Communications Unit.
• Organize job fairs and networking events to increase placement opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation on employment activities, training participation, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all Clubhouse, NYDIS, and DOHMH policies and reporting requirements.
• Support audits, performance reviews, and internal evaluation processes.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and Clubhouse International training courses as required.

Qualifications include:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree preferred.
• 1-3+ years working with individuals with serious mental illness or in a community setting.
• 1-2 years in coaching/counseling and vocational rehabilitation preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are preferred, with a focus on Chinese and/or Spanish.
• Proven experience with mental health crisis management by supporting and counseling members.

Salary range, $55,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience - with excellent benefits.

No Phone Calls: Send Cover Letter, Resume & 3 Professional References to jobs@nydis.org

All qualified candidates should apply; candidates from ethnic and religious minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. NYDIS does not discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of age, color, creed, culture, gender, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or race.

Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish