Employment Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI wants you to join the team at Fahrman Center as an Employment Specialist! Fahrman Center is a 42-bed adult residential treatment facility that provides inpatient addictions services for men and women as well as restorative justice services for clients who are involved with various correctional entities.

Under direction, delivers professional level social work case management services to individuals in a residential treatment facility focusing on employment eligibility, skills development, training, and other aspects of supporting the development goals of men and women seeking employment.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible opportunity with hours primarily between 8:30am-4:30pm, but may require flexibility based on client schedule.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

• Identifying client's skills, education and abilities and work with them to find gainful and appropriate employment that is appropriate for their skill level.
• Provide job placement resources, to include the Department of Labor's (DOL) One-Stop System. Employment information assistance. This includes computer-based technology and resources. The client will also be provided with the necessary tools to gain access to these resources/internet.
• Providing guidance for clients to assist them in resume writing, interviewing, appropriate dress and what to expect in an interview process.
• Researching job fairs and other organizations that clients can attend to gain employment.
• Providing counseling, case management and post-release follow up relative to employment within the community, including the location where the client plans to live following release.
• Perform employment site visit checks as required by contract, and provide point of contact for any problems or issues on the job site.
• Assure that prospective employers of Federal clients are aware of the client's legal status.

PERKS:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

  • By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

  • Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.

  • LSS Clinical Managers () and Human Capital employees can assist you in applying for this benefit.

• Licensure and Exam Fees
  • If the employee has been with LSS for 1 year prior, they will receive full reimbursement for licensure and/or exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
  • If the employee is considered part-time, LSS will pay for half of the associated licensure and exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation
  • We offer a free, robust clinical supervision experience for any type of licensure that focuses not only on client needs, but employee development.
• Training
  • LSS is focused on the continued growth of our employees and ensuring we provide high quality services.
  • LSS employees are eligible for receiving internal as well as financial support for external trainings to support your growth and required Continuing Education (CEU) credits.
• Flexibility
  • LSS is a family/employee-focused agency which values work-life balance.
  • Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate personal commitments by flexing their schedule or utilizing time off.
• Benefits Package
  • Sick & Vacation Time
  • Retirement - 403b Match
  • LSS makes annual raises and additional bonuses a priority for employees

ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor's Degree in a human-service or correctional field required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with a correctional population preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in guidance counseling, job placement, or employment specialist roles required.
• Working knowledge of addictions and recovery, counseling and case management principles and methods, criminogenic risks, needs and responsivity factors.
• Working knowledge of the federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing the delivery of AODA services.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.
• State Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Professional Counselor (CPC), or other applicable state certification is preferred, but not required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training. Must be able to work on computer and utilize computer applications and programs to effectively do job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently bend/stoop, crouch, climb stairs and kneel. This position will require the ability to access a variety of locations in the community.

The employee must react appropriately in times of crisis that may include verbal aggression.

The incumbent of this position works in a community environment (home, office, community, etc.). The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor conditions when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL: Ability to travel on day trips as required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.