Career Development Specialist

Reporting to the Program Director of UPWARDS Employment Services, the Career Development Specialist develops and sustains a portfolio of competitive job placements in business and the community and partners with mental health clients to assist them in obtaining competitive employment.

• Develops and sustains internships and competitive job placements in business, industry, and the community and assesses clients for job fit. Maintains on-going contact with employers.
• Works with employers and organizations to customize jobs that meet the employers' needs and capitalize on the skills and talents of individual clients.
• Works closely with employers to guarantee their satisfaction with the U P wards Employment Program .
• Works closely with case managers and other Urban Pathways staff to recruit and enroll participants who meet eligibility requirements for the Program.
• Works with clients to assess and develop employment plans that match clients’ interests, aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and previous work experience and career goals.
• Ensures that clients participating in the Program meet basic standards of program compliance.
• Provides ongoing support to clients.
• Develops employment training curriculum, conducts workshops and work-related individual/group discussions.
• Enters progress notes after each client meeting within 48 hours and/or as mandated by the Program.
• Completes Intake/Admission documentation within 24 hours of client admission, as mandated by the Program.
• Documents assessments in client records within required timeframe (not applicable for Outreach Program).

• Bachelor’s Degree; MSW or MA in closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ of experience creating and sustaining relationships with employers in job development required.
• Training experience preferred.
• Experience with homeless, mentally-ill and substance abuse population preferred.