This position is responsible for developing relationships with the Philadelphia Business Community who are interested in hiring returning citizens who are eligible for competitive employment. The CSAT Employment Specialist will lead all efforts to develop employment opportunities for and perform comprehensive evaluations of the strengths and skills of each resident who is eligible to work, upon admission into the residential facility. This position will assist residents in preparing for the job search process, while identifying their specific career development needs. The CSAT Employment Specialist will serve as a liaison between employers and potential employees, to garner community resources that will establish unsubsidized job opportunities for the latter. The CSAT Employment Specialist will support residents’ needs by motivating positive behavioral changes that will lead to long-term employment retention.

The CSAT Employment Specialist position is a skilled professional position requiring experience in the field of addiction treatment, participating closely with other Treatment Team members by collaborating to ensure that residents interested in seeking employment have met standard treatment requirements prior to beginning the full job search process. Work is performed under close supervision of a professional or administrative supervisor in accordance with work instructions, accepted standards of client services, accepted practices, and applicable regulations. This position operates in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures with an expectation that the employee exercises significant initiative and independent judgement while discharging job duties. Work requires evaluative/analytical thinking. General duties include, but are not limited to creating, developing, implementing, coordinating workshop classes and seminars for residents, while maintaining responsibility for their job search activities by planning activity sessions and counseling residents about their employment choices.

• Establish partnerships with local businesses and employers to develop job opportunities for facility residents/clients.
• Engage in regular job development activities to develop and maintain a pool of employers capable of hiring residential clients with felonies.
• Facilitates work preparedness (individual and group) support and education sessions as needed in programs e.g. resume writing and mock interviewing.
• Assist in the development of Individual Employment Plans for residents/clients eligible to work.
• Works closely with the CSAT Director to ensure accountability of all employed residential clients and internal systems.
• Conduct employer site visits to monitor the compliance with attendance guidelines of employed residents.
• Collect resident employment information and assist CSAT Director in monitoring all employment data.
• Schedule visits to meet with a minimum of five (5) employers per month to discuss job retention strategies needed to ensure that employed residents are meeting job expectations (work readiness/aptitude, performance, attendance/ tardiness management, etc.)
• Meet with employed residential clients who have lost employment, to determine next steps for regaining employment.
• Conduct surveys of employer partners and residential client employees to identify best practices in the field that will improve employability of Gaudenzia DRC residents.
• Provides appropriate support and structure for program clients in dealing with their recovery; interacts continually with clients; provides information about such issues as addiction, meeting responsibilities, client behavior, health, personal hygiene, grooming, self-image, etc.
• Monitors all client activities on an ongoing basis such as entitlement appointments, employment, community service, sign-out sheets, by reviewing documentation and addressing problem areas.
• Assists with routine client services as instructed by CSAT Director.
• May occasionally be required to check via EVS, status of coverage for program clients and logs such on appropriate DOC/Parole and CBH/BHSI Tracking forms.
• Coordinate the Community Works Project (volunteer program) for correctional clients who perform in-house community service, and reports status to CSAT Director.
• Performs other allied duties related to operation of unit.
• Performs other related duties, tasks and services as assigned.
• Participates in security procedures that are required by the DOC/Parole. This includes but is not limited to, random room searches, pat-downs, and use of hand-held metal detectors, and records such on search logs.
• Assists CSAT Director in monitoring and collecting the supporting documentation necessary for compliance with the DOC/Parole. Contract Facility Manual and ACA Adult Community Residential Services accreditation standards.
• Support CSAT Director in conducting staff meetings and trainings related to Group Home procedures.

• Employee should be capable of dealing with the possible frustrations involved in working with the attempted recoveries of sick clients who may not readily respond to services offered. Job requires a person who is comfortable with self, is empathic and able to deal responsibly with clients and fellow staff.
• PCB Certification and/or Associate’s degree in an appropriate field preferred. High School Diploma or equivalent is minimally required.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in the field of addictions treatment; sensitivity to and experience with the particular issues affecting addicts with a criminal justice background. Prior experience working with correctional clients preferred.
• Able to write standard English clearly and correctly.
• Ability to express self clearly to both staff and clients in a professional manner.
• Computer experience preferred.
• Passing score of 70 or above in the preposition ability test.