Veteran Employment Counselor
Job Description Job Description Case Manager/Employment Specialist – Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. (VRSI) Reports to: Lead Employment Specialist | Schedule: Full-time About VRSI Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, Inc. (VRSI) is committed to aiding military veterans through the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP). With offices across the United States, VRSI provides vocational counseling, training, vocational evaluation, and direct employment services that help eligible veterans reach their full vocational potential. The Role As an Employment Specialist on our HVRP grant, you will help veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness find and retain employment. You will guide each veteran from first contact through eligibility screening, job readiness, training, placement, and follow-up, connecting them with supportive services along the way, with the goal of stable, livable-wage employment in in-demand occupations. This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping veterans reintegrate into the workforce. Key Responsibilities Client Assessment and Case Management Meet with each veteran to learn their skills, work history, interests, and anything making it hard to find or keep a job. Work with each veteran on a personal employment plan with career goals, next steps, and timelines, and update it as they make progress. Meet the individual goals our federal grant sets for veterans assessed, enrolled, placed in jobs, and still employed after placement. Check whether interested veterans qualify for the program and sign up those who do. Job Readiness Training Teach resume writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, and professional conduct. Plan and lead job readiness workshops and group training sessions. Career Counseling and Support Offer one-on-one career counseling to help veterans explore career options and make informed decisions, including sharing information about local jobs and training. Follow up regularly so veterans keep moving toward their employment goals. Refer veterans to job training programs that fit their goals and track their progress. Job Placement Assistance Build and keep relationships with local employers to find jobs that are a good fit for veterans. Help veterans apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and negotiate pay and job terms. Stay in touch after a veteran is hired and help solve problems that could put the job at risk. Employer Engagement Work with employers to understand their hiring needs and share the benefits of hiring veterans, including available tax credits. Attend job fairs, employer panels, and networking events to connect veterans with employers. Program Coordination and Reporting Keep accurate, up-to-date, and confidential client records, case notes, and job outcomes. Prepare and submit regular reports on program activities, results, and grant requirements. Community Collaboration and Outreach Work with community partners, veteran service organizations, housing providers, employers, and others to coordinate services, share resources, and build strong referral networks for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Connect veterans to support services like housing, transportation, mental health and substance use treatment, and legal aid. Represent VRSI at community meetings, veteran groups, job fairs, outreach events for homeless veterans, and similar activities. Act as a link between the program and the community, spot gaps in services, and speak up for better support for veterans. Do regular in-person outreach in the community, including visits to partner sites, shelters, encampments, and other places veterans may be found. This position requires reliable transportation and use of a personal vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate. Requirements Associate's degree in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development, employment services, or a related field. Reliable transportation and use of a personal vehicle to perform essential job functions; mileage is reimbursed at the current federal rate. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with veterans or homeless populations (highly preferred). Strong understanding of the challenges faced by homeless veterans, including the needs of women veterans and justice-involved veterans. Experience in job development, employer relations, or case management. Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, business, or a related field. Skills and Abilities Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including communicating with groups and employers. Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage a caseload and deadlines. Able to work independently, make sound decisions, and work as part of a team, building strong relationships with clients, employers, and community partners. Proficiency with job search platforms, career assessment tools, case management databases, and Microsoft Office Suite. Empathetic, veteran-centered approach and a willingness to learn and apply best practices. Travel and Work Environment Work is split between the office and the field, with frequent local travel to outreach sites, partner agencies, employers, and community events. Occasional evening or weekend outreach. Field work may include outdoor weather and unsheltered settings such as streets and encampments. The work is meaningful but can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding. Physical Demands Regular sitting, computer use, talking, and listening, with periodic standing, walking, bending, and reaching; able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., outreach and event materials). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Compensation & Benefits Pay: $22–$27 per hour, based on experience Benefits: Paid company holidays, sick time, paid time off, healthcare, and 401k Mileage: Reimbursed at the current federal rate Please upload a cover letter of approximately two paragraphs describing your interest in this position and how your experience has prepared you to serve veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. VRSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources.
