Job Description
Job Description
Salary : DOE
Job Summary : The Employment Developer will assist individuals in recovery from substance abuse and those with criminal history by supporting them in finding temporary or permanent employment opportunities. This role will actively engage with employers to identify positions that are suitable for individuals facing these challenges. The Employment Developer will educate employers about federal hiring incentives, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) . The goal is to create opportunities that foster long-term career success for clients while supporting their ongoing recovery.
Key Responsibilities :
- Job Placement Assistance :
Identify and secure both temporary and permanent job opportunities for individuals in recovery from addiction and with criminal history. Match clients with employers who are open to hiring individuals with these backgrounds, ensuring the roles align with the clients skills and recovery needs.
Employer Engagement & Relationship Building : Cultivate relationships with employers who are open to secondchance hiring. Advocate for the hiring of individuals in recovery or with criminal history.
Provide guidance to clients. The California Fair Chance Act , and expungement procedures, which protect individuals with criminal histories from employment discrimination. Help clients navigate these legal complexities.Collaboration with Programs : Work closely withclients in order to
receive the appropriate support during their treatment and transition into employment. Help clients balance the demands of recovery with the responsibilities of work, offering tailored support to meet their individual needs.
Job Readiness & Skill Development : Lead job readiness workshops and one-on-one training sessions on resume writing, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, and soft skills development, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by individuals recovering from addiction and with criminal backgrounds.Temporary & Permanent Employment Opportunities : Secure both temporary (e.g., contract, or seasonal jobs) and permanent positions for clients. Temporary employment serves as a stepping stone for clients to gain work experience, build confidence, and demonstrate their reliability to potential employers for long-term roles.Ongoing Post-Placement Support : Offer continuous support to clients after they are placed in temporary or permanent jobs. Ensure job retention through follow-up communication, addressing workplace challenges, and providing additional resources when necessary.Barrier Identification and Mitigation :Identify personal or external barriers to employment that clients may face (e.g., lack of transportation, housing instability, or legal issues). Help clients access community resources, including legal aid, housing, and recovery support services, to overcome these obstacles.
Data Tracking & Reporting :Maintain
accurate records of client placements, job status, employer feedback, and client progress. Regularly report on the success of the program, including the number of individuals placed in temporary or permanent jobs and their job retention rates.
Employer Education & Outreach : Conduct outreach to employers and businesses, raising awareness about the benefits of secondchance hiring. Advocate for hiring practices that provide opportunities for individuals with criminal histories and those in recovery, showcasing their potential as dedicated and reliable employees.
Qualifications :
Education & Experience :Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Demonstrated experience working with individuals in recovery from substance abuse and with criminal history. Experience working within an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or similar recovery setting is preferred.
Experience in Employer Outreach : Proven track record of successfully engaging employers and advocating for secondchance hiring. An ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with companies willing to hire individuals in recovery or with criminal history.
Understanding of Addiction Recovery : Experience working with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, especially within the context of an IOP or similar treatment program. Understanding of the challenges these individuals face as they balance recovery with the demands of employment.Strong Communication Skills : Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build rapport with clients, employers, and community partners, as well as effectively advocate for individuals in recovery and with criminal backgrounds.Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking : Strong ability to identify challenges clients may face and develop creative solutions that support successful employment placement and retention.Organizational & Time Management Skills : Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple client cases, job placements, and deadlines. Strong attention to detail in record keeping and reporting.Empathy & Cultural Competence : Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competence, especially when working with individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or with a history of addiction or criminal involvement.Preferred Skills :
Certifications in Workforce Development or Counseling : Certifications such as Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) , Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) , or similar credentials are a plus.Legal Knowledge : Familiarity with legal systems, including knowledge of expungement procedures and other legal mechanisms available to individuals with criminal histories.