Workforce Services Specialist, Grant Service Specialist II (NCS) - Mayor's Office of Employment Development

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

POSTING DATE: 11/27/2024

SALARY RANGE: $43,901.00 - $69,639.00 Annually

BACKGROUND CHECK: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.

PROBATION: All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory 6-month probation.

Summary Of Position

This position is part of Baltimore City’s COVID-19 employment recovery strategy, which is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) is working with public and private partners to provide occupational training, apprenticeships, subsidized work, supportive services, transportation assistance, and small business subsidies to city residents and small businesses negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. We will prioritize unemployed and underemployed residents and particularly our most disadvantaged jobseekers, including returning citizens, opportunity youth, and public assistance recipients. These programs will increase access to opportunity, promote local job growth, support low-income households, benefit historically underinvested neighborhoods, and create wealth in communities of color. They will also help the city become cleaner, safer, and more welcoming.

The Workforce Services Specialist is a vital role within the Baltimore Workforce Development ecosystem, blending the responsibilities of a Career Development Facilitator (CDF) and Business Services Representative (BSR). This dual-focus position is designed to provide comprehensive support to job seekers while fostering strong relationships with employers to meet workforce demands. The Workforce Services Specialist will split responsibilities, dedicating part of their time to client-focused activities (CDF duties) and to customer job-preparation workshops BSR duties).

By leveraging a hybrid schedule of in-office work and community outreach, the Workforce Services Specialist ensures effective service delivery, advancing equity and career readiness across Baltimore’s diverse workforce.

Essential Functions

Client-Focused Responsibilities (CDF)

• Client Outreach and Engagement:
• Proactively invite clients from the Unite Us platform to participate in Career Readiness Trainings.
• Conduct follow-ups to ensure participants are applying the skills learned and progressing toward employment goals.
• Document all services provided in MWE for reporting and tracking purposes.
• Targeted Support for Marginalized Populations:
• Focus outreach efforts on employers hiring populations such as the mentally and physically disabled, elderly, and others facing barriers to employment.
• Collaborate with organizations including Sheppard Pratt, The League for People with Disabilities, The Department of Aging and Commission, DORS, and The Arc.
  

Business Engagement Responsibilities (BSR)

• Career Readiness Workshops:
• Develop and implement monthly workshops using 21st-century job readiness tools, including Pathway to Careers.
• Deliver trainings focused on:
• Soft skills development
• Resume Writing
• Interview preparation and proper attire guidance
• Technical support for online application completion
• Host workshops at various hubs, tailoring content to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Job Placement and Retention Support:
• Facilitate direct referrals and assist with the coordination of hiring events to connect career seekers with job opportunities.
• Monitor placements to ensure long-term success and provide ongoing support to both employers and employees.
• Business Services Delivery:
• Some employer recruitment may be required if necessary
  

Performance Metrics and Goals

• Responsibilities will be measured against clear performance goals, including:
• Client Engagement: Number of participants attending workshops and trainings.
• Assistance in Employer Outreach: Volume of new business connections and completed Job Orders.
• Job Placement: Success rate of career seekers placed into roles through direct referrals or hiring events (Refer to the MOU for detailed annual performance targets).
  

Education And Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Have graduated from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Have five years of experience in performing human service work, including three years working with community organizations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of workforce systems such as the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in the workforce.
  
  

Financial Disclosure:

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER