Director, Workforce Services

Directs all aspects of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and other workforce grants; plans, implements, administers, and evaluates projects and activities necessary to ensure full programmatic compliance;  responsible for the oversight of activities and responsibilities to reach across all Title I activities and operations in Kankakee & Livingston Counties.  Supervises staff and manages programs in area of responsibility.  Serves as the One Stop Operator to ensure successful WIOA integration with core partner agencies and the Workforce Board. Serves as the administrator in charge of the North Extension Center (NEC) and acts as the KCC Liaison for the NEC campus and partner agencies housed at the NEC.

Essential Responsibilities:

A. Supervises and  directs the activities of Kankakee Workforce Services staff;  administers personnel actions for staff including employment, performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, etc.; manages center schedule and revised to meet changing conditions so that proper coverage is maintained for customer access; provides access to and participates in staff development opportunities.

B. Leads in the recruitment of clients/employers for participation in programs and services. Assists with determining employer and client eligibility for services. Surveys client and employer needs and recommends programs and services. Prepares, writes, and submits grant proposals and supporting documents based on the requirements of an RFP. 

C. Performs outreach to Kankakee County residents and employers through website and social media.  Responsible for writing press releases, online newsletters, designing flyers, and developing social media campaigns. Captures and reports website and social media metrics. Maintains membership in employer and local agencies organizations. Executes and provides input on further outreach strategies.

D. Maintains contacts with employers and develops an employer contact and retention process.  Maintains employer information files, documents employer calls and follow-up. Tracks employer performance data.  Develops Work Experience and On-the-Job Training contracts and processes paperwork/timesheets for payments to employers. Establishes and maintains open communication and builds liaisons with clients, college staff, One-Stop partners, Livingston County office, Workforce Board, community employers, and local, state, and federal agencies.

E. Develops and manages program year budget for cost efficiency. Prepares budget modifications. Issues ITAs according to approved providers, programs, and availability of funds. Monitors performance of all titles to ensure year end performance standards are met. Conducts internal file reviews.

F. Matches clients with employer needs and makes appropriate referrals for job openings. Maintains job board of employers’ job postings and tracks monthly posting counts. Assists clients with job seeking skills, including resume and cover letter development. Organizes job fairs to match job seekers with employers. Conducts follow-up activities with employers to support continued job placement efforts and job retention of program clients.

G. Manages customer flow by responding to program inquiries; conducts orientations regarding programs and services; provides career guidance and advises clients on approved programs and providers; responds to client problems and complaints; and administers customer surveys for evaluation of services.

H. Monitors client activity and outcomes to ensure that federal, state, and local policies and procedures are enforced. Maintains client confidentiality and complies with policies and procedures to protect personally identifiable information.

I. Oversees staff maintenance of forms, service records, documentation and case notes for client and administrative files per federal, state, and local requirements. Maintains thorough and accurate knowledge of all titles/programs including funding regulations, policy changes, and relevant community resources. Makes program and policy recommendations.

J. Maintains a good working knowledge of the labor market and employer needs. Interprets data and analyzes future occupational needs of the area from local and national labor market information sources. Provides Labor Market Information to employers, job seekers, students and the general public.

K. Serves as the Administrator in charge of the North Extension Center (NEC) and acts as the KCC liaison for the NEC campus and partner agencies housed at the NEC.

L. Attends and reports on Kankakee Workforce Services/One Stop at Workforce Board meetings. Prepares required monthly Workforce Board reports. Coordinates quarterly meetings, compiles One Stop data and reports, schedules One Stop partner staff trainings and implements strategic planning for the One Stop. Educational and Experiential Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

A. Master’s degree in public service administration or related discipline required.

B. At least five years of highly responsible supervisory/managerial experience required.

C. Prior WIOA or related work experience preferred.

D. Prior budget management experience preferred.

E. Familiarity with local human service and training providers desirable.

F. Strong oral, written, data processing, interpersonal and leadership skills required.

G. Qualified candidate must have strong reading, writing, and computation skills, as well as strong computer experience with Microsoft office or comparable software applications.Hiring range: $79,232 min. - $91,116 1st quartile - $103,001 mid. eff 1/1/25.

Salary : $79,232 - $126,771