Workforce Specialist

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $56,217 - $70,271
FULL SALARY RANGE: $56,217-$87,839 (Grade 106)
HOURS: Full Time
LOCATION: Hybrid; in-person at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul with potential for telework
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE:4:30 p.m. on 03/31/2025

The position of Workforce Specialist educates CareerForce customers about all aspects of career development and employment searches including but not limited to: coaching through employment and life barriers, educating in computer and internet operations, resume and cover letter writing and interviewing skills. This position may facilitate workshops on a variety of job search topics, various computer classes, job club workshops and other training activities. The Workforce Specialist formulates employment relationships with the business community to help employers meet their workforce needs and that result in employment opportunities for customers. In addition, the Workforce Specialist provides customer service to a wide variety of program participants and job seekers.

The hiring department requests a cover letter and resume be provided with your completed application.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND Four years' experience in a governmental public assistance agency or employment services agency

• Associate degree or 90 quarter credits from an accredited higher education institution AND Two years' experience in a governmental public assistance agency or employment services agency

• Bachelor's degree in related field

• Disclaimer: Experience must have occurred within the past 5 years in Minnesota.

• Bilingual; able to conduct smooth, culturally relevant communication, translation, interpretation, relationship building and high-quality delivery of programs, events, and service to visitors, staff, and stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Presents structured workshops for universal customer and program participants in coordination with other Workforce Specialists. Works with a variety of job seekers that have different skills and abilities related to job search, education, and computers.
2. Assist customers in the Career Lab with resources for computer based job search. Assist customers with resume completion. May provide training in basic computer classes.
3. Contacts employers for job development opportunities. Provides leadership in developing and promoting marketing initiatives and strategic planning for job development. Acts as a liaison between businesses and job seekers to promote job seekers.
4. Represents Dakota County E&EA with other county departments, contracted service providers, agencies, as a partner in the CareerForce Center and in public forums.
5. May prepare reports using state provided data to show employment information such as job trends and salary data, changes in the workplace and ways to enhance job searching techniques.
6. Helps coordinate CareerForce events and activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1 – 6 are essential functions as well as regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Demonstrates an understanding of advanced interviewing and motivational techniques.
• Demonstrates an understanding of computer software and information systems.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to prioritize work according to program requirements, customer, and organizational needs.
• Ability to assess a person's social, economic, emotional, and health needs – including a broad range of issues affecting customer lives such as chemical dependency, mental and physical health, domestic violence, parenting skills, etc.
• Ability to handle conflict and personal issues in sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Advanced knowledge of community resources.
• Advanced knowledge of current labor market information, employment trends, and potential employers.
• Knowledge of assessment tools.
• Knowledge of various training programs.
• Knowledge of legislation and governance authority for employment and public assistance programs.