Education and Employment Specialist

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.: Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to under-served racial and ethnic minority communities in the Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

JOB SUMMARY: The Education and Employment Specialist will be responsible for helping individuals by providing job placement services and educational opportunities to help them thrive in the workforce and educational institutions. The Education and Employment Specialist includes actively engaging with a diverse team, fostering connections with businesses and educational representatives, organizing outreach activities, and facilitating career information workshops. The Education and Employment Specialist provides necessary vocational services follow-up, and community linkages to provide a supportive environment that promotes sustainability, independence, and personal growth

EDUCATION AND WORK QUALIFICATIONS:

• MINIMUM: Two (2) years of experience in job placement required
• Experience working with at-risk populations highly preferred
• Experience working with individuals and groups who have barriers to employment.

CERTIFICATION: Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)

BILINGUAL: English speaking Haitian Creole or Spanish

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vocational Counseling and Support:

• Provide individual and group vocational counseling to assist clients in sharpen their job skills, prepares them for interviews, and supports their job-seeking efforts with personalized guidance.
• Conduct initial assessments of educational and vocational needs during the admission/orientation phase and develop a preliminary service plan.
• Evaluate individuals' abilities, interests, and goals using tests, records, interviews, and professional sources.
• Offer post-placement support to participants who are employed or in training.
• Researches job leads and educational opportunities, ensuring the best fit between job seekers and available positions.
• Aligns job skills with applicants' qualifications and refers the most suitable candidates to employers.

Resource Development and Community Engagement:

• Hosts job search and career development workshops, equipping participants with practical information and tools for career advancement.
• Provides platforms for departments and community agencies to network, share resources, and collaborate on job placement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a network of community-based resources for training, education, and employment opportunities.
• Dedicates up to 65% or more of work hours to community engagement, including visits to libraries, One-Stop offices, family homes, and state VR offices to ensure participants have the support they need.

Administrative, Data Collection and Reporting:

• Gathers detailed data from employers regarding job requirements and from educational institutions on vocational training and continuing education options.
• Prepares and maintains thorough records of participant activities, tracking progress and placement outcomes.
• Complete all paperwork and statistical reporting to ensure compliance with intergovernmental oversight agencies.
• Prepares and maintains thorough records of participant activities, tracking progress and placement outcomes.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborates weekly or monthly with a multidisciplinary team to align efforts and provide holistic support to participants.
• Assists in developing promotional materials (flyers, brochures, etc.) to advertise job placement services, helping to increase community awareness.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with community organizations, and healthcare providers, to enhance service delivery and resource accessibility.
• Proven experience in conducting interviews and assessing candidates' qualifications
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple cases.
• Excellent time-management skills.
• Familiarity with recruiting strategies and techniques
• Comfortable with digital tools and software for project management, data tracking, and communication, with a commitment to leveraging technology to improve program outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and sensitively to diverse audiences.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.73 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• creating/implementing developmental plans for children : 2 years (Required)
• leading child-parent activities : 1 year (Required)
• family engagement : 1 year (Required)
• working with children with intellectual disabilities : 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person