Employment Specialist

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office (KCDA) is one of the largest prosecutor’s offices in the country and is committed to developing and implementing innovative prosecutorial strategies that will fulfill our vision of keeping Brooklyn safe while at the same time ensuring fairness and justice for all.

KCDA has an exciting opportunity to work as an Employment Specialist in the Re-Entry Programs Bureau. The Re-Entry Programs Bureau addresses the needs and concerns of individuals transitioning from an incarceration-related environment to the general public who seek assistance with the management of their situations. The bureau utilizes referrals to third parties as its primary method of service delivery.

Under direct supervision, with some latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the preferred candidate will be responsible for the following:

Job Responsibilities:
- Providing new clients orientation sessions and/or individual intake meetings.
- Assist clients in attaining their employment-related goals by identifying and referring clients
- to appropriate services.
- Work collaboratively with case managers, to manage changes in employment goals and/or barriers to securing employment.
- Develop internal Community & Resource and Reentry curriculum to address Clients’ employment needs.
- Facilitate a series of regular scheduling of employment-related Workshops.
- Build partnership with staffing/job placement agencies, training, and education providers to
- support Client’s literacy, verbal and writing skills.
- Assist in preparation for interviews, resume building, skills building through
- advocacy and referrals.
- Build a community of employers that will hire clients directly.
- Schedule interviews with potential employers.
- Manage and track employment placements of all clients.
- Teach Clients how to advocate for themselves when seeking employment in the
- community.
- Manage and document all interactions with employers and clients.

Additional Information
- Experience Requirement: At least 1 year of Employment Specialist experience in a similar setting.
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, mental health
- counseling, psychology, sociology, education, business, liberal arts, etc.) with 1-2 years’ experience or
- Associate degree in a related field (social work, mental health counseling,
- psychology, sociology, education, business, liberal arts, etc.) with 2-3 years’ experience.
- Familiarity with Criminal Justice population single adults, mental health,
substance use or any other related field;
- Strong communication, time management and interpersonal skills.
Other Qualifications:
- Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a focus on providing excellent
client services; Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse population.
- Ability to exercise good judgement and apply problem solving skills;
- Experience working collaboratively in a team oriented and outcomes focused environment;
- Ability to monitor and manage variety of tasks assigned

Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.