Employment Specialist (Bilingual)

Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options. 

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist contributes to our mission by assisting families living in emergency shelter, applying for rental assistance, or enrolled in specialty programs (e.g. those receiving Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits) to build stability and prepare for work.

Benefits include:  20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $21.50 and $24.25 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  CORI/MVR.

The candidate will work in a hybrid-remote manner.  Living within commutable distance is required.  Regular in-office work and meetings are required, as are occasional evening and weekend hours.  Travel throughout Western Massachusetts is a component of this role.

Responsibilities include:
•    Receive and respond to all assigned referrals, meeting or beating set program guidelines on response time; regularly travel to shelters and community partner sites across Western Massachusetts
•    Within set program timelines:  conduct comprehensive intake and assessment of participants’ employment readiness:  skills, education needs, and barriers to successful job placement; develop individualized employment plans with participants, identifying goals and next steps to prepare for job search activities
•    Provide ongoing case management support to address barriers, e.g. childcare, transportation, housing stability, and training needs; connect participants with community supports as needed
•    Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case files, participant data, and employment readiness plans and activities in compliance with program guidelines
•    Collect and report documentation that supports reporting and billing requirements, e.g. training records, certifications
•    Collaborate with team members and appropriate stakeholders to deliver ongoing employment readiness workshops, including evenings and weekends as necessary; connect participants to workforce readiness programs and trainings, including those with the One Stop Career Center
•    Deliver soft skills coaching as needed and appropriate, e.g. workplace expectations, punctuality, dress code
•    Proactively identify those who are job-ready and coordinate with appropriate program coordinator(s) for job placement and employer connections
•    Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, community groups, funding sources, and other workforce development agencies or community agencies
•    Collect and share information, including across programs, on available employment and workforce development services and resources
•    Proactively identify and inform program management of any issues that may adversely affect participants, the department, or organization

Requirements include:
•    2 years' equivalent experience in workforce development or a related field; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
•    Preference for case management experience and/or experience working with families experiencing housing instability or economic hardship
•    Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills required
•    Adept communicator with strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with others
•    Adept with Office365 and databases; comfortable learning new technologies
•    Highly organized with strong documentation skills
•    Ability to problem-solve and coordinate service across multiple systems
•    Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed
•    Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
•    CORI

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.