Veterans Program - Employment Specialist (HVRP)

Description

Summary 

Founded in Santa Clara County in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, and providing economic independence while restoring our clients’ sense of self‑worth. We achieve this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 18 retail stores, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and our Contract Services division, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable lives, and strengthen communities. 

The HVRP Employment Specialist will advance the Department of Labor’s mission to provide job training, counseling, and placement services to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force. You’ll implement employer outreach, apply labor‑market insights, and coordinate job‑driven training partnerships—working alongside Case Managers and community partners to help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness secure livable‑wage employment in stable, high‑demand occupations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Knowledge of Population 

• Stay informed on the unique needs of veterans served (e.g., homeless women vets, justice‑involved vets) and advise HVRP leadership on how existing strategies can be implemented to meet those needs. 

• Strategic Outreach, Recruitment & Engagement 

• Use a flexible, non‑threatening approach to engage both participants and employer partners. 

• Employer Engagement & Job Development 

• Apply labor‑market research to forecast in‑demand industries over the next 5–10 years. 

• Cultivate and maintain a pipeline of employer partners (e.g., construction, logistics, healthcare, tech), presenting HVRP’s veteran-ready talent and securing formal hiring/training agreements. 

• Educate employers on veteran tax incentives (WOTC), on‑boarding supports, and retention best practices. 

• Job‑Driven Training & Placement 

• Implement targeted skill‑building programs through American Job Centers and community training providers. 

• Coordinate with Case Managers to match veterans to training and job opportunities; coach on resumes, interviews, and workplace expectations. 

• Monitor job orders, placements, and veterans’ progress during training and transition to unsubsidized employment. 

• Case Conferencing & Collaboration 

• Facilitate regular case‑conferencing with HVRP Case Managers, SSVF staff, and external service providers to align supports and address barriers. 

• Liaise with public, private, and nonprofit partners at all levels to secure housing referrals, transportation, and other wrap‑around services. 

• Retention & Follow‑Up 

• Track participant outcomes against HVRP performance indicators: 

• Conduct post‑placement check‑ins at 30, 60, and 90 days—and through the second and fourth quarters—to troubleshoot retention barriers. 

• Data Management & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activity, job orders, placements, and follow‑up in the HVRP database. 

• Case noting in a timely manner 

• Perform Other Duties 

• Undertake additional tasks as assigned to advance HVRP goals and Goodwill’s mission. 

Required Qualifications 

• 1 year of employer‑facing experience (sales, business development, or workforce development). 

• Valid CA driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

• Ability to pass background check and any required clearances. 

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications 

• 2 years in veteran‑focused job development or employment services. 

• Personal military or veteran experience. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Services, or related field. 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Deep understanding of veteran homelessness and reintegration challenges. 

• Proven ability to build & sustain employer relationships; strong negotiation and presentation skills. 

• Strategic thinker with labor‑market intelligence and data‑analysis capabilities. 

• Excellent communication, organization, and multi‑tasking abilities. 

• Proficient in CRM/client‑management systems and MS Office. 

• Empathetic, veteran‑centered approach with a commitment to equitable service delivery. 

Working Conditions 

• Primarily office‑based, with frequent travel for employer visits, job fairs, and community events. 

• Occasional evenings or weekends for outreach activities. 

• Fast‑paced environment requiring teamwork, adaptability, and proactive problem‑solving. 

• Physical Requirements 

• Sedentary office work with intermittent standing, walking, and lifting up to 20 lbs (e.g., event materials). 

• Emotional Effort 

• Moderate to high: balancing performance deadlines, urgent placement needs, and the complexities of serving vulnerable populations. 

Pay Range 

$30– $32 hourly 

Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law 

Salary : $30 - $32