Vocational Specialist

Position Summary:

The Vocational Specialist will provide career guidance and counseling, training, job placement and volunteer opportunities to victims of violence in the community and in residence to promote self-sufficiency and independent living. This position will help survivors to understand their capabilities and interests and to set educational and career goals.

Job Responsibilities:

 

  1. Conduct face-to-face interviews with each client to evaluate skills, work history and personality.
  2. Identify strengths in relation to living, current skills, learning ability, work history, and social skills.
  3. Assist with résumé preparation or revision. Connect clients to volunteer/prosocial activities that empower the client and cultivate skills that may be used on their resume.
  4. Maintain client records and assist with reporting and correspondence.
  5. Coach clients for interview preparation, including but not limited to, mock interviews, interview attire, printing of resumes and/or needed paperwork, or arrange for training to help them develop marketable skills.
  6. Provide follow-up services to clients in maintaining employment.
  7. Work collaboratively with the Anti-Trafficking and Direct Services team to best support the clients.
  8. Formulate relationships with existing job readiness service partners including but not limited to nonprofits, community colleges, and adult learning centers. And make appropriate client referrals.
  9. Participate in the weekly Anti-Trafficking case review at the Samaritan House.
  10. Attend trainings on human trafficking, ethical/professional boundaries and practices, organization policies and procedures, etc.
  11. Use good judgement when interacting with clients knowing when to refer the client to their case manager or advocate.
  1. Explore the potential development of an in-house training program tailored to the specific vocational needs of victims of violence.
  2. Explore the potential development of a service enterprise tailored to the specific needs of victims of violence.
  1. Required Background:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in education, human services, or related field.
  • Experience working with victims of human trafficking is preferred. Experience working with victims of other traumatic crimes, such as domestic violence or sexual assault is required.
  • Valid Virginia Driver’s License.
  • CPR certified with adults and children within six months of hire.

Required Skills:

  • Knowledge of and adherence to agency mission, policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and mandatory reporting requirements.
  • Knowledge of dynamics of human trafficking.
  • Knowledge of team model of practice.
  • Skills in establishing non-victimizing rapport with victims.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with victims, staff and interagency professionals.
  • Develop effective solutions to the problems today’s job seekers face.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to the applications, theoretical perspectives and key concepts of organizational effectiveness on human behavior.
  • Understand the concepts and complexity of sociocultural diversity.
  • Ability to work effectively in crisis situations, utilizing the teamwork model of practice.
  • Ability to plan and manage own work activities and seek and use supervision effectively to increase skills and knowledge.
  • Ability to represent agency in public speaking and in community coalitions.
  • Ability to maintain and keep records current and complete statistical reports in a timely manner.

Required Physical Skills:

  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle; car, truck, and van
  • Ability to use a computer and telephone
  • Ability to walk, climb, and reach
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds
  • Ability to conduct and attend meetings

Salary: Based on experience and qualifications.  This is a full-time position with benefits.

Please download and complete Job Application Form at: THIS LINK

Samaritan House Inc, is an Equal Opportunity Employer