Employment Specialist

Friendship Place, a Washington, DC nonprofit focused on helping individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness rebuild their lives, is looking for an Employment Specialist to join its Housing and Veterans Recovery Program (HVRP). The role is based in Washington, DC and operates in a hybrid setup, reporting to the Assistant Director. It’s a full-time, 1.0 FTE, non-exempt position with a temporary end date of 06/30/2027. The team values practical, person-centered support and community partnerships to build pathways to work for participants who need it most. This opportunity suits someone who enjoys hands-on work, event coordination, and working closely with colleagues across departments to help people move toward economic stability.

The Employment Specialist helps participants find work by delivering direct employment support, keeping an eye on long-term goals, and creating connections with local employers. The role involves building and maintaining relationships with workforce partners, hosting and attending job fairs, and supplying case managers with job leads and employment resources. You’ll also help participants with job readiness activities, like crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and navigating applications, while ensuring a steady stream of job opportunities and resources are shared through a weekly employment newsletter. A core part of the job is coordinating multiple events each year and collaborating with housing staff to support participant progress.

You’ll spend a lot of time in the field, engaging with participants, employers, and community partners. The work is flexible to meet participant needs, with hours that run Monday through Friday between 7 am and 7 pm, and occasional evenings, holidays, and weekends as operations require. The team expects you to be empathetic, professional, and responsive, maintaining boundaries and promoting participant independence while working in a fast-paced, participant-centered environment.

What you’ll bring to the team

Must-have qualifications include a mix of education and hands-on experience. You could come with a high school diploma or GED plus three years of relevant work experience, or an associate’s degree with two years in case management, human services, or housing services, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with two years in case management, customer service, or a similar setting. Two years of lived experience may substitute for one year of formal work experience. Experience with housing-first models, rental subsidy programs, and trauma-informed care is preferred. You must also either hold or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes hands-on skills testing; Friendship Place will provide the training.

Your day-to-day toolkit should include strong verbal and written communication, precise attention to detail, and solid decision-making. You’ll need the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment, maintain client confidentiality and professional boundaries, and work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds. If you have bilingual service delivery experience, that’s a plus. Practical skills like coordinating with workforce partners, planning events, and juggling multiple priorities will help you succeed in this role.

Pay, benefits and practical details

The compensation for this position is defined as an hourly pay rate between $27.94 and $30.53, with starting pay determined by a step system based on education, credentials and prior work experience. The step system is fixed, and the organization does not negotiate starting pay. This role requires a hybrid working arrangement in Washington, DC, with travel to meet participants and attend stakeholder engagements, up to 50% of the time. The position ends 06/30/2027 and includes a background check and various clearances as required by contract and law; a valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and a satisfactory motor vehicle record are on file as part of employment, and mileage for approved work-related travel is reimbursed at the applicable GSA rate. The job also involves field-based work, employer outreach, and community networking, with up to half of the time spent in travel and community settings.

Friendship Place offers a comprehensive benefits package, including low-cost health insurance, a health reimbursement arrangement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, a 403B defined contribution plan with matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, paid holidays, and vacation and sick leave in the first year. The job includes required trainings, certifications, and background clearances, and the organization emphasizes equity and a respectful, inclusive workplace.

The interview process involves a phone screening, a panel-style interview, and a final interview. The job location is in Washington, DC, and the organization maintains a commitment to equal opportunity for all applicants.

Application deadline: This job is open until filled or until the hiring manager determines they can no longer accept applications.

How to apply Interested applicants should submit their applications through the organization's website. All current career openings can be found by visiting: https://friendshipplace.org/who-we-are/careers/