Employment Specialist-Brothers United FORGE/Department of Family and Supportive Services

Salary: $60,000-$65,000 Annually, based on experience

Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Monday through Friday

Evenings and Weekends as needed

Benefits

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription)

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Retirement Participation Plan

Health Savings Account

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive employment readiness, job placement, and career development services to participants enrolled in the Brothers United Program. This position works collaboratively with participants to identify employment goals, develop individualized career plans, address barriers to employment, and connect individuals with meaningful employment opportunities that promote economic stability and self-sufficiency.

The Employment Specialist serves as a resource, advocate, and motivator, helping participants strengthen workplace readiness skills, obtain employment, retain jobs, and pursue opportunities for career advancement. The position also develops and maintains relationships with employers, workforce development agencies, and community partners to expand employment opportunities and support successful participant outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Employment Readiness and Career Development

• Provide individualized employment assistance and career development services to participants who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking career advancement.
• Assess participants’ employment histories, skills, interests, strengths, and barriers to identify appropriate employment opportunities and support services.
• Assist participants in establishing realistic short-term and long-term employment goals and developing individualized action plans.
• Provide job readiness coaching, including résumé development, job search strategies, application completion, interviewing techniques, and workplace expectations.
• Assist participants in developing essential soft skills, including communication, professionalism, teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution, time management, and workplace accountability.
• Motivate, encourage, and support participants in taking an active role in achieving their employment and career development goals.
• Monitor participant progress toward employment objectives and provide ongoing guidance and support.

Job Placement and Employment Retention

• Identify and research available employment opportunities that align with participants’ qualifications, interests, and career goals.
• Share relevant job openings, hiring events, workforce training opportunities, and career resources through approved communication channels, including social media, text messaging, email, and direct participant outreach.
• Assist participants with completing employment applications, preparing for interviews, and navigating the hiring process.
• Connect participants with appropriate job placement opportunities, vocational training, apprenticeships, and career advancement resources.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and employment retention support to participants who secure employment.
• Assist employed participants in addressing workplace challenges, improving job performance, and identifying opportunities for increased earnings and career advancement.
• Work collaboratively with participants to identify and resolve barriers that may interfere with obtaining or maintaining employment.

Workforce Development and Community Partnerships

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with OhioMeansJobs Lucas County, local employers, workforce development organizations, training providers, and community partners.
• Coordinate participant referrals to OhioMeansJobs and other employment-related resources and services.
• Assist participants in accessing virtual and in-person employment services, training opportunities, and workforce development programs.
• Attend weekly OhioMeansJobs Labor Exchange meetings to remain informed about employment opportunities, hiring trends, and available workforce resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers to identify job openings, hiring requirements, and opportunities for participant placement.
• Coordinate employer presentations, guest speakers, career exploration activities, and other employment-related events for program participants.
• Collaborate with community partners to identify supportive services that address barriers to employment, including transportation, childcare, education, and other identified needs.
• Represent the Brothers United Program professionally at community meetings, employment events, and partner activities.

Participant Engagement and Program Facilitation

• Build positive, professional, and supportive relationships with program participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Facilitate approved evidence-based curricula, workshops, and group activities designed to promote employment readiness, personal development, and economic self-sufficiency.
• Deliver employment-related education and coaching in individual, group, virtual, and community-based settings.
• Encourage consistent participant engagement, accountability, and follow-through with established goals and program activities.
• Identify participants who may require additional assistance and coordinate appropriate referrals or supportive services.
• Utilize culturally responsive, strengths-based, and participant-centered approaches to service delivery.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure employment services are coordinated with participants’ overall program goals.

Case Management, Documentation, and Reporting

• Develop, complete, and regularly update participant short-term and long-term goal plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive participant records, including employment assessments, service activities, referrals, progress updates, and employment outcomes.
• Enter case notes and required participant information into the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database in accordance with established program standards and timelines.
• Document participant employment placements, retention milestones, training participation, and other measurable outcomes.
• Monitor assigned caseload activities to ensure participants receive appropriate services and follow-up.
• Assist with collecting and maintaining documentation necessary to support program performance measures, reporting requirements, and funding compliance.
• Maintain the confidentiality, accuracy, and security of participant information in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws and regulations.

Program Coordination and Team Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in weekly program team meetings, monthly partner meetings, and other required meetings or professional development activities.
• Provide timely updates regarding participant progress, employment opportunities, service challenges, and program outcomes.
• Collaborate with program leadership and team members to identify service gaps, improve participant engagement, and strengthen employment-related outcomes.
• Assist in planning and implementing employment-related workshops, community outreach activities, and special program initiatives.
• Maintain knowledge of current workforce development resources, employment trends, and best practices in job readiness and career coaching.
• Adhere to Pathway, Inc.’s policies and procedures, professional standards, and applicable program requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the Brothers United Program and the agency’s mission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; alternatively, at least two (2) years of relevant experience providing employment assistance, job readiness training, workforce development, or related participant support services may be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience assisting individuals with employment preparation, job searches, career development, or overcoming barriers to employment.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and individuals experiencing employment-related challenges.
• Experience in workforce development, community-based programming, case management, or human services is preferred.
• Familiarity with OhioMeansJobs, community workforce resources, and local employment services is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish trust and rapport with participants, employers, and community partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate group discussions and deliver presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, encourage, and empower individuals to establish and achieve personal and professional goals.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet established deadlines.
• Effective problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to assess participant needs, identify barriers, and coordinate appropriate services and resources.
• Ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision while maintaining accountability for assigned responsibilities.
• Self-motivated, dependable, adaptable, and committed to achieving program goals and participant outcomes.
• Demonstrated compassion, patience, professionalism, and respect when working with individuals facing personal or employment challenges.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential participant and agency information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with program staff, employers, community organizations, and external service providers.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare written documentation, and enter information into electronic databases.
• Proficiency in typing, data entry, Microsoft Office applications, email, and general computer operations.
• Experience using virtual communication and learning platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, and other digital communication tools.
• Ability to use social media and electronic communication platforms appropriately for participant outreach and sharing employment opportunities.
• Ability to work remotely when authorized and effectively manage responsibilities in virtual or hybrid work environments.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on program and participant needs.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Duties are performed primarily in a professional office environment, with occasional work at community locations, employer sites, and other program-related settings.
• Regular use of computers, telephones, virtual communication platforms, and standard office equipment is required.
• The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, computer use, and participation in meetings or training sessions.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to accommodate program activities, participant needs, and community events.
• Local travel is required to attend meetings, employer visits, workforce development activities, and community events. Occasional long-distance travel may be necessary.
• Travel may involve exposure to varying weather and road conditions.
• The position may occasionally require lifting, carrying, or moving materials weighing up to thirty (30) pounds, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.
• Work may involve frequent interaction with participants, staff, employers, and community partners in person, by telephone, or through virtual platforms.
• The employee must be able to perform essential job responsibilities safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. 

Equal Opportunity

Pathway, Inc.is committed to providing equal opportunity for advancement and development. All qualified employees are encouraged to apply.

Please attach cover letter and resume by October 26, 2026.