Workforce Development Specialist

Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Workforce Development, the Workforce Development Specialist is responsible for providing employment preparation, job placement, retention support, and skills training for individuals facing barriers to employment. This role acts as a liaison between job seekers and employers to develop and facilitate employment opportunities while ensuring job seekers receive the necessary coaching and resources to succeed. This position continually upholds the Mission, Vision, and Values of the organization.

• Conducts intake assessments, collects, and maintains confidential files, and develops individualized, person-centered service plans for job seekers.
• Provides employment coaching and skill development training, including hard and soft skills needed for workplace success.
• Matches qualified job seekers with appropriate employers, arranges and schedules interviews, and ensures successful job placement with a target of at least a 75% placement rate.
• Assists job seekers with applications, resume and cover letter preparation, and interview skills.
• Facilitates training programs, including workplace etiquette, reasonable accommodations, and integration support for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and referring agencies to create employment and training opportunities.
• Provides on-the-job coaching and mentoring to support job retention and career advancement.
• Utilizes case management tools and database systems to document progress, case notes, attendance, and service outcomes.
• Collaborates with finance and program teams to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of job placements, participant progress, and service billing.
• Engages in community outreach efforts, including attending meetings, delivering presentations, and submitting success stories and media content.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, organizational policies, and procedures, CARF standards, and safety and security regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Associate’s degree in business, social services, rehabilitation, special education, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, job coaching, or related fields.
• Access to reliable transportation with the ability to travel to multiple locations in a single day that does not interfere with performing the essential functions of the job description, cause tardiness, or unexcused absences preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including networking and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Ability to maintain an elevated level of confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Strong problem-solving, time-management, and organizational skills.
• Must be flexible and adaptable, able to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Must provide proof of identification and eligibility to work in the United States.
• Must pass a drug screening and maintain compliance with the organization’s drug and alcohol policy.
• Must pass a background screening and maintain compliance with the organization’s associated polices.
• Must not have record or disclosure of criminal conviction that indicates an ongoing tendency toward theft, violence, dishonesty, deceit, drug manufacture or sale, moral turpitude, or predatory behavior.
• Must not present a direct threat of safety and health to self, others or property.
• Must be able to perform essential functions of this job description with or without reasonable accommodation.