Employment Specialist- ODBEC - Baltimore, Maryland, , United States

Salary: $50,000 · Catholic Charities of Baltimore is seeking an Employment Specialist to serve as a key member of the workforce development team at Our Daily Bread Employment Center, supporting participants in successfully entering and advancing in the job market. This role recru ...

Job description

Salary: $50,000

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is seeking an Employment Specialist to serve as a key member of the workforce development team at Our Daily Bread Employment Center, supporting participants in successfully entering and advancing in the job market. This role recruits and prepares program participants for employment through individualized job placement support, delivers job readiness instruction in both one-on-one and classroom settings, and actively engages employers to develop meaningful job opportunities and sustainable workforce partnerships. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

For over 35 years, Our Daily Bread Employment Center has offered daily hot meals, case management, job training, and employment counseling to Baltimore City residents. We believe access to healthy food is a human right and a collective responsibility. Meeting this need demands sustained commitment from staff, volunteers, donors, and the wider community and every one of us plays an integral role.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides individualized employment counseling and job readiness services, including career pathway planning, résumé and interview preparation, job search assistance, and referrals to training and volunteer opportunities to support successful employment and long-term advancement.
• Develops and facilitates job readiness workshops, including classroom instruction of the Work4Success curriculum, to strengthen soft skills, workplace behaviors, and overall employability.
• Builds and maintains employer and community partnerships through outreach, job vacancy research, cold engagement, and participation in hiring events and job fairs to generate job leads and sustainable placement opportunities.
• Matches employment, training, and volunteer opportunities to participant skills, interests, and readiness levels to promote successful placements and job retention.
• Collaborates with client services and behavioral health teams to provide coordinated, holistic support that addresses barriers to employment and promotes participant stability.
• Provides classroom instruction of the Work4Success curriculum on an intermittent basis to strengthen participants' soft skills, workplace behaviors, and employability competencies.
• Supports recruitment activities for Work4Success participants to sustain enrollment and engagement in workforce development programming.
• Consistently meets or exceeds monthly outreach, engagement, and placement goals to support program performance standards and organizational objectives.
• Travels to and attend offsite meetings and events as needed to strengthen community presence and partnership development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Two (2) years' experience in workforce development, career counseling, employment services, or case management.
• Experience working with diverse and/or underserved populations, including individuals facing barriers to employment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners.
• Demonstrated experience with event coordination, including organizing and supporting job fairs and resource events.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.
• Exhibits exceptional relational and customer service skills, building strong connections and providing top-tier service.
• Displays excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Possesses a foundational understanding of clerical procedures and systems, including managing Outlook calendars, email, and recordkeeping.
• Demonstrates accountability by consistently being punctual, maintaining reliable attendance, and working independently with minimal direction or supervision.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of case management, resulting in effective coordination of client services, improved individualized support, and successful achievement of client goals.
• Accepts responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment for both clients and co-workers.
• Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job function, including but not limited to, basic Windows PC, database entry, web browsing (i.e., Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive is preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• No remote or hybrid work availability based on core and essential functions of the position.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites, which may involve walking, standing, or traveling to various locations as required by the role.
• Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.
• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.
• Driving (Agency and/or personal vehicle) is required for this position. Driver must be at least 21 years of age, with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, and a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence.   There can be no state issued restrictions on the licenses that would impede drivers' ability to operate the vehicle as required by the Agency, and there must not be more than three (3) points on their driving record.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution 
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer