Employment Specialist - job 1 of 2

The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being, and stability of those it serves.

The Employment Specialist serves as part of the Employment Services services team within the Coalition. This position carries a caseload assisting participants in achieving and maintaining employment and in providing a variety of employment and supportive services for eligible participants within the CCH system of care and in the community. This position is also responsible for all required program documentation and data collection as well as completing special projects as assigned. This position requires time in the community for job development and outreach.

• Choice of HMO or PPO health insurance coverage options: full-time employees contribute only 1% of their earnings for their own HMO health coverage and no more than 4% of their earnings for coverage of eligible dependents. We’re proud to offer same-and opposite-sex domestic partner coverage. 
• Choice of dental insurance or discount plan. 
• Vision insurance.  
• Flexible spending accounts for health care / dependent care / parking expenses. 
• Free basic life and AD&D insurance coverage. 
• Employee Assistance Program, a problem-solving resource available to you and your household members. 
• Dollar-for-dollar retirement plan matching contributions up to 5% of earnings with 3-year vesting. 
• Extensive paid time-off, including 9 holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three weeks of vacation for new full-time employees in their first year. 

• Serves as part of team working together to provide wholistic services for each participant.
• Assesses participants employment interests and abilities.
• Provides supportive services as required.
• Works with participants on an individual basis to assist them in developing an individual employment plan (IEP) and in attaining the goals and objectives outlined in that plan.
• Develops and facilitates employment-related groups/training.
• Assists with resume development and job searches.
• Provides ongoing guidance, advice, and employment related assistance to participants.
• Negotiates workplace accommodations on behalf of participants when necessary.
• Responds to crisis situations.
• Complete all documentation and data entry as required, in a timely manner (Access Database, case notes, etc.) 
• Maintains an updated knowledge regarding community providers.
• Networks with business community to assist with maintaining and developing relationships to promote job development.
• Meets with participants, potential referral sources and/or business partners out in the community.
• Maintains and distributes employment information such as job openings, etc.  
• Attends applicable staff, organization, and community meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• Prior experience in assisting individuals suffering from homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse/co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Experience in the provision of employment services, preferably to individuals that may be disabled and homeless preferred.
• Veterans highly preferred for employment programs/positions which serve veterans

• Knowledge of homeless issues and demonstrated sensitivity to the population.
• Knowledge of the employment and employment resources available in the Denver area
• Ability to effectively communicate with current and potential employers both verbally and in writing.
• Valid driver’s license, ability to pass automobile insurance carrier’s motor vehicle record investigation and have access to a vehicle in order to transport clients as needed and attend meetings in many different locations.
• Must possess the ability to work independently.

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is committed to delivering services, making employment-related decisions, selecting volunteers, and selecting vendors without regard to age over 40, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, military status, or any other applicable status protected by law.