Education & Employment Specialist (BSCC)

at  Hope Solutions

ABOUT US

Founded in 1991, Hope Solutions, formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, is a vibrant and socially responsive non-profit agency that provides permanent housing and vital support services to over 2,000 homeless or at-risk families and individuals in Contra Costa County. Over 40 faith-based communities support our work, although there are no religious requirements or affiliations to receive services.
Are you seeking a new role that fully utilizes your talents and potential—while helping to make the world a better place? If so, please read on!

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Education and Employment Specialist provides targeted employment and education support for homeless clients enrolled in the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) program. Working collaboratively with program Case Managers and referring Parole agents, the Education and Employment Specialist will provide individualized, intensive & flexible support to homeless clients to assist them in engaging with opportunities to increase household income through employment. This position will expire on February 28, 2025.
Initial work includes assessing participants’ employment histories, skills, and educational needs as well as potential barriers to employment, collaboratively creating a Household Income/Employment Plan, and accessing any resources needed to further the goal of increasing household income to remain housed. The Education and Employment Specialist will provide services and referrals to educational and/or employment opportunities on an as-needed basis prior to, during, and post-placement.
All client services are participant-driven and delivered with a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. Services may be provided in the community and in the home at the convenience of the program participant. Services are designed as short-term support to resolve a housing crisis, offer a flexible level of intensity as needed, and provide warm hand-offs to other providers if clients need further support after becoming stably housed.
Supervisory Responsibility: None

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passion for and demonstrated experience successfully supporting vulnerable populations, especially homeless individuals reentering their communities post-incarceration.
• Two years experience in the educational and/or employment fields, preferably with clients from vulnerable circumstances.
• A. degree or substitution of experience for education as follows: Minimum of four years experience in the human services field (with a minimum of two years experience providing vocational support to vulnerable populations, preferably with housing retention barriers such as criminal background, substance abuse, mental health, and/or income challenges).
• Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft and database applications.
• Must have an operational vehicle, auto insurance, valid California driver’s license, and be willing to drive for work.
• Must pass Live Scan screening and TB test.
• Salary contingent upon skill and experience.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• The person in this position may make home visits to consumers who live on second or third-floor apartments (without elevators) and will need to be able to climb stairs.
• May accompany consumers on walks to local resources (grocery store, childcare, parks) up to ½ mile in distance.
• Must be able to work in a desk setting for up to 3 hours at a time to make calls to consumers, research resources on the internet, and collaborate with community providers with calls/emails.
• Office setting activities are required, such as typing on a laptop/computer to respond to emails, entering case notes into a database, and copying/faxing forms and documents on a copy machine related to maintaining or obtaining housing.
• Occasionally must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including furnishings for new residents, files, holiday gifts, and food donations.
• Ability to drive an automobile and transport oneself and consumers to appointments or meet at consumer homes, including driving at night.

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Professionally represent Hope Solutions in all circumstances.
• Comply with all legal/ethical professional guidelines for maintaining consumer confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA guidelines, protecting consumer rights, advocating on consumers’ behalf, and assuring consumer safety.
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with clients.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, policies, procedures, standards of practice, and outcome requirements of the Supportive Housing Program and Hope Solutions.
• Assist with distributing client satisfaction/feedback surveys for all clients served.
• Attend all required meetings, including but not limited to Hope Solutions staff, individual supervision, consumer case conferences, and linkage meetings with other agencies.
• Ensure timely and accurate data is entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Complete required administrative paperwork and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• On-call, after-hours, and backup work for other team members may be required.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.