Employment Specialist- DC

In addition to a competitive compensation, this position is also eligible for a sign-on bonus!

SUMMARY:  While delivering innovative solutions, exceptional service and trusted results, the Employment Specialist is responsible for classroom management and the day-to-day implementation of job readiness activities for adult learners.  Prepares for and facilitates engaging, motivational, and skill building workshops for adult participants.  Develops and implements job readiness curriculum and navigates customers through the workforce system.  Responsible for interpreting the CASAS ECS appraisal scores, reviewing results with the customers and their assigned Case Managers. Provide referral recommendations to education slot providers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Plans ahead and prepares for all classes/workshops assigned; meet and instruct classes/workshops as designated
• Teach life skills lessons, career development, and essential skills for workplace success following defined curricula that includes, but not limited to: critical thinking and decision making, budgeting, goal-setting, hygiene, resume preparation, interviewing, effective job search, work ethics, employer expectations, conflict resolution, time management, communication, professional appearance, and job retention.
• Teach customers to research jobs, target resumes, and apply with appropriate employers utilizing effective job search methods and tools.
• Instruct customers to target jobs and industries based on their interests, skills, abilities, and experience.
• Create stimulating learning environment that utilizes a variety of instructional methods, materials, and techniques.
• Maintain an energized learning atmosphere that engages customers utilizing group-work, contextualized learning, scenarios, games and activities that result in the acquisition and retention of desired skills.
• Retain a classroom environment that engages a culturally-diverse customer-base with varied educational levels and work background.
• Establish positive rapport and serve as a role model to customers as well as motivate them towards achieving goals.
• Respond to immediate and changing instructional needs of participants.
• Modify existing course objectives and curriculum as necessary using, best practices.
• Maintain knowledge (awareness) of current trends in the job market and appropriately disseminate information to participants.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of classes and make necessary changes based on hiring requirements, customer needs, and classroom outcomes.
• Communicate with case management staff on the progress, attendance, successes and challenges of their customers.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and updated attendance records.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training, and supervisory sessions.
• Accept the responsibility of aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested

QUALIFICATIONS: 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. 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Superior communication skills — oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management, customer service, and organizational skills
• Ability to professionally adjust to unforeseen circumstances or programmatic changes.
• Ability to cultivate and manage high quality stakeholder relationships and demonstrated ability    to work with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to function at a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Must be a self-starter and committed to completing tasks timely, which may include working additional hours and / or over the weekend as needed.
• Must be resourceful and able to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Strong decision making and analytical skills.
• Demonstrates excellent coaching, facilitation, and teaching skills.
• Apply creativity to training topics and modes of delivery.
• Adhere to Federal, State, and Contractor guidelines.
• Expertise in workforce development and career training for populations similar to the District's TANF customers.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  The degree requirement may be substituted for eight (8) years of professional work experience. 
• Minimum 5 years' experience adult learning, workforce development, career training, or other employment related field.   

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Personal computer literacy required, including effective use of the Internet, e-mail, video conferencing (Zoom, Teams) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 For benefits information please visit the KRA website: https://www.kra.com/kra-employee-benefits/