Employment Specialist Case Manager | Low Barrier Shelter

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Job Summary

Odyssey House Louisiana, Inc. is seeking a full-time Employment Specialist Case Manager. The schedule is Monday- Friday, including at least one Saturday shift per month. The Employment Specialist Case Manager will play a vital role in helping individuals who are experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness achieve financial independence and stability through meaningful employment. This role will provide personalized career coaching, job readiness training, job placement, and ongoing retention support.

Responsibilities and Duties

It is the duty and responsibility of the Employment Specialist Case Manager to:

• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to identify job seekers' work history, skills, career goals, interests, and potential barriers to employment (e.g., justice involvement, lack of ID, transportation, childcare, mental health/substance use).
• Partner with individuals to create employment goals and timelines.
• Assist individuals with resume and cover letter writing, job application completion, computer literacy, online job searches, and interview preparation.
• Conduct mock interviews and facilitate job readiness workshops covering soft skills, workplace communication, conflict resolution, and stress management.
• Build and maintain active relationships with local businesses, corporate partners, second-chance employers, and staffing agencies open to hiring individuals with barriers to employment.
• Attend local job fairs to stay current on regional workforce needs and hiring trends.

• Actively advocate for individuals by matching their unique skills and goals with appropriate job openings. 
• Collaborate closely with internal case managers, housing navigators, mental health professionals, and other shelter staff to ensure holistic participant support.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, progress notes, and employment tracking in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) or internal databases.
• Track data on job placements, wage progression, retention rates, and certification completions to support grant compliance and program improvement.
• Provide on-the-job coaching (where appropriate) and regular check-ins during the critical first 30, 60, 90, and 180 days of employment.
• Assist individuals in navigating early workplace challenges, transportation disruptions, or interpersonal conflicts to prevent job loss.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• Valid driver's license
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience.

Preferred

• Strong understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish
• 2+ years of experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, social services, or case management working with vulnerable populations.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits package includes insurance (health, dental, vision, life, long-term and short-term disability), leave benefits and 401k match.