FORWARD SERVICE CORPORATION

                                                                  Job Description

Job Title:                                  Adult Career Services Specialist

Department:                             WIOA Program              

Reports To:                              WIOA Team Leader

FLSA Status:                             Non-Exempt 

Prepared By:                            Brian Wolfe

Prepared Date:                         March 2015

Revised:                                   March 2023

SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Team Leader, this position provides individual and/or group services to assist adults in achieving effective work experience, work readiness skills, and job skills training.  The Career Services Specialist provides these services through mentoring, assessment and supervision of clients participating in the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Adult, Dislocated Worker, Recovery Dislocated Worker, StC, WAI, and COW programs. Well-qualified candidates will possess the ability to network, recruit, and retain potential program participants. Responsible for creating a plan to meet participant goals as identified through the assessment process and appropriately documenting action steps. This individual is responsible for marketing services provided under our Fox Valley Workforce Development Board adult programs to area employers, and creating job leads and placement opportunities for program customers. He/she will also negotiate contracts, wages and training agreements, and will create worksites, on-the-job training sites and internship opportunities. Will have experience motivating, teaching, and preparing individuals for post-secondary education and/or work. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

• Responsible for determining eligibility for WIOA, StC, WAI and COW services.
• Travel to provide case management services to clients in multiple counties.
• Responsible for achieving specific recruiting benchmarks within the required target populations to achieve and exceed program performance standards.
• Responsible for creating and establishing relationships with employers in order to meet work experience/internship and job placement goals.
• Contact private and public employers by phone, email, and in person to market all Job Center services. 
• Survey employers on employment and training needs and projected skill shortages.
• Conduct presentations to area employers on the requirements of appropriate programs and placements.
• Attend business/employer related meetings and activities including but not limited to Chamber of Commerce events, business services meetings, grand openings, business open houses and Economic Development forums.
• Responsible for entering all program related data accurately and timely into ASSET. 
• Assessment of individuals’ basic skill levels, interests, aptitudes, work history, attitudes, and goals using various assessment tools and materials.
• Provides individual and/or group services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, educational and/or vocational outcomes.  
• Responsible for maintenance of client and program records, monitoring program performance, and tracking enrollment numbers and target groups.
• Identify and monitor shifts and trends in the local labor market and adjust services accordingly to assist customers in achieving employment in areas of demand occupations.
• Monitor and follow-up of participants for at least a 12-month period following WIOA program participation.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining employer relations, community awareness and partnerships.
• Other duties may be assigned.         

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

• Ability to network, build relationships, market and present workshops
• Ability to provide strength based activities and workshops.
• Ability to recognize risk indicators such as AODA, domestic abuse, developmental disabilities or suspected child abuse.
• Ability to empower clients to take responsibility for their own employment progression.
• Ability to learn and implement program requirements and policy based upon state law and administrative rule.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with program individuals, community organizations, and area employers.
• Ability to operate a PC using Microsoft Office software and ASSET
• Knowledge of appropriate job search techniques and training.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and multitask
• Organizational capabilities.
• Responsible for entering all program related data accurately and timely into ASSET.
• Must maintain a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record as determined by our insurance carrier.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate degree and two (2) plus years work-related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

Work is performed in an office environment and may require incumbents to do some light lifting or routine maintenance of basic office equipment.  Position may require travel to various other locations within the state.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

BEHAVIORAL CORE COMPETENCIES

Customer Service:  Works well with customers, promotes a positive image of company, strives to solve issues raised by customers, constantly and consistently exceeds the expectations and requirements of our internal and external customers; treats all people with dignity and respect; makes every effort to solve problems and address customer needs and be professional and polished when dealing with internal and external customers; keeps the customer’s needs in the forefront. 

Attitude/ Flexibility/Adaptability:   Maintains a positive attitude and behaves positively towards work responsibilities, fellow employees and the company.  Supports department and company initiatives, is open to changes within the job and the company and is adaptable; remains flexible; relates well with co-workers, management, and clients; thinks “outside” the box to solve issues with internal and external customers, demonstrates resiliency, bounces back quickly from setbacks.

Quality/Effectiveness of Work Effort:  Demonstrates a high degree of excellence in work quality; strives to eliminate errors, work is accurate, thorough, timely, and completed efficiently; delivers exceptional work that consistently exceeds expectations, considers cost effectiveness; seeks opportunities to improve product/services, demonstrates a conscious effort toward organizational quality efforts.

Judgment/ Problem Solving: Effectively makes decisions and resolves problems; considers the relevance and impact of decisions in terms of organization values and goals; involves others in making decisions as appropriate; defines and offer solutions to problems, strives to understand contributing factors, works to resolve complex situations.

Communication:  Communicates in a concise and understandable manner, is able to speak and write clearly and succinctly; gets the message across that has the desired effect; uses empathy in exceeding the needs of our internal and external customers; is a good listener.