Employment Support Specialist

Department: Employment & Training
Location: Anchorage
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade(s): 8-9 ($27.51+ DOE)

Purpose: The Employment Support Specialist is responsible for supporting clients referred through the Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) in achieving sustainable employment and self-sufficiency. This includes case management for Non-Custodial Parents (NCPs) and other tribal citizens with barriers to employment, as well as training facilitation, interagency collaboration, and individualized career planning.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Meet with clients to assess career goals, employment readiness, and barriers to self-sufficiency
• Develop individualized employment and training plans aligned with clients’ aptitudes, interests, and personal goals
• Provide strengths-based case management and career coaching to NCPs and other referred participants
• Support clients in accessing supportive services such as childcare, housing, transportation, and education
• Network with community partners, employers, and post-secondary institutions to expand service pathways
• Facilitate workshops and training on job readiness, interview skills, job search strategies, and retention
• Support clients through post-secondary and vocational education processes, including financial aid, enrollment, and persistence
• Maintain complete and accurate records in the case management system, including case notes, progress reports, and employment verifications
• Provide court-related documentation and testify when necessary regarding client participation and progress
• Promote confidentiality and ensure participants’ rights are respected under applicable law and policy
• Monitor employment outcomes and follow-up to support job retention
• Understand and apply Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) program rules, procedures, and processes to effectively guide participants through their child support cases
• Advocate on behalf of participants by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities under TCSU, and assisting with navigating required steps to achieve compliance or resolution
• Collaborate with TCSU staff to clarify case-related questions and ensure coordinated support for shared clients
• Educate participants on how employment and training outcomes may affect their TCSU cases, including potential impact on modifications or enforcement
• Provide coaching and support to participants on how to communicate effectively with their TCSU caseworkers and meet court-ordered obligations
• Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:
• Strong knowledge of employment services, case management, and workforce development practices
• Ability to work effectively with TCSU, employers, and clients
• Knowledge of child support program rules, eligibility requirements, and privacy protections
• Proficient in documentation, data tracking, and reporting within digital case management systems
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
• Skilled in vocational planning, assessment tools, and job readiness facilitation
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Familiarity with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):
• Associate degree in human services, education, or related field -or-
• Two (2) years’ experience in case management, workforce development, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Three (3) or more years of experience in related field

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:
• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:
• Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.
• Certain positions at Tlingit & Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.