What are the responsibilities and job description for the Career Development Specialist position at Owens Valley Career Development Center?
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
SUPERVISOR: Site Manager
PAY GRADE: NE6 - $25.17 to $35.24 per hour
Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Site Manager or designee, the Career Development Specialist will
develop, evaluate, and implement career, educational, social, and personal development activities that lead to
long-term personal enrichment goals and self-sufficiency of eligible OVCDC participants living within the
service area. The employee will work closely with the Site Managers and staff to plan, process, and monitor
cases.
This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the duties performed by this position and is not all-
inclusive. Each classification may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties which
may be assigned.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Work in partnership with families to develop a solid Family Self Sufficiency Plan and co-create a strategy
- Provide individualized guidance to participants utilizing interests, assessments, aptitude data, and
- Assist participants with soft skill development – problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, resume
- Collaborate with the Family Advocates to meet regularly with participants to assess participant progress and
- Utilize coaching tools and concepts, such as motivational interviewing and a growth mindset approach,
- Build rapport and collaborate with community organizations, educational institutions, tribal entities, local
- Research economic conditions and trends and integrate labor market information to optimize planning.
- Work closely with TANF Site Managers and Family Advocates to ensure participants are eligible and are
provided with services that meet the specific needs of the families and individual participants within the
TANF Program.
- Increase job search competencies and knowledge in workforce preparation.
- Schedule and coordinate events, including, and, not limited to, job fairs, higher education workshops, soft
- Assist participants in improving self-awareness by identifying, assessing, and understanding their
competencies, interests, values, and personal characteristics and connecting these assets to their career
choice and success.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and incorporates trauma-informed practices.
- Provide program information and requirements and explain all appropriate forms and documents.
- Develop job resources for participants, including and not limited to employer contact lists, internet
- Assist and support participants in understanding the benefits of community service, gainful
employment, cooperative education, internships, and other opportunities that lead to economic self-
sufficiency.
- Co-develop growth plans with participants and support participant’s career and educational decisions,
- Recognize when counseling is needed beyond the scope of career guidance and make appropriate
- Prepares monthly reports.
- Collaborate with the Career Development Specialist peers and other staff across the organization.
- Maintains confidentiality of privileged information.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Communication, Counseling, or another related field with one-year
relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the knowledge,
skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
- Training and experience conducting career assessments is preferred.
- Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, motivating, and helping
others improve their knowledge or skills, especially in preparation for obtaining meaningful careers and/or
personal objectives toward self-sufficiency.
- Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
- Experience working with individuals who are struggling with life challenges.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under company insurance.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual presentation platforms.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, procedures, and automated systems.
- General knowledge of the vision and mission of Owens Valley Career Development Centers.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and shows the ability to work with people from diverse
- Knowledge of or experience with trauma-informed approaches.
- Knowledge of general economic conditions and trends, including California (and local) industrial, labor,
business, and agricultural conditions, trends, employment practices, and employment and training
requirements.
- Ability to plan, organize and implement regional events.
- Ability to develop and maintain a relationship of trust, confidence, and good rapport with staff,
- Ability to practice a growth mindset in daily activities.
- Knowledge of American Indian history and knowledge of local culture and traditions.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation, including driving record, criminal background,
- Works independently and with a team to accomplish OVCDC’s vision and goals.
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy when encountering sensitive situations.
Demands:
Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, and talk
and hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee
must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.
Travel: Employee is expected to travel regularly within service areas and may be expected to travel to
headquarters for meetings.
Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work
may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
The employee is expected to travel regularly within service areas and may be expected to travel to headquarters
for meetings.
Native American Indian Preference:
Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions at OVCDC pursuant to the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (24 USC 450, et. seq.), 25 CFR 271.44, applicable Tribal
Employment Rights Ordinances, and other relevant laws.
Benefits:
OVCDC offers an affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits package. Eligibility for
- Medical plan
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account option
- Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
- Observation of federal and state holidays
- 401(k) with employer match
- Life insurance
- Wellness program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Professional Development and other training opportunities
Salary : $6 - $25
