What are the responsibilities and job description for the Workforce Development Specialist position at Southeast Tennessee Development District?
Job Summary:
This grant-funded position (through September 2026) is responsible for delivering direct services to participants through the QUEST National Dislocated Worker Grant program. The focus is on helping individuals with justice involvement and/or substance use history to access high-quality employment opportunities.
This position primarily supports Grundy, Marion, Sequatchie, Bledsoe, and Hamilton Counties. Regular travel across our 10-county region is required to meet with participants, collaborate with stakeholders, and conduct employer outreach. Frequent travel to the agency’s main office in Chattanooga is also required. Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel are essential.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform case management, which includes outreach, intake, orientation, plan development/implementation, case management, follow up, and other tasks necessary to appropriately document and support individuals as they achieve employment goals. Manage a caseload of approximately 40 active and 25 follow-up cases.
- Perform comprehensive assessments of work history, employment skills and abilities, educational history, competencies, need for supportive services, identification of specialized employment needs, skills to be attained, and appropriate referrals to help individuals overcome employment barriers.
- Teach job readiness skills and facilitate workshops and support groups for life skills and career exploration to meet the needs of the community of participants served.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with agencies to maximize participant support services.
- Develop job leads, engage local businesses, and provide direct job placement services, including on-the-job support.
- Advocate for fair-chance hiring and recovery-friendly workplace practices with employer partners.
- Assist with job fairs, recruitment events, and community outreach activities to increase awareness of workforce programs.
- Perform related duties as assigned to ensure meeting grant performance measures.
Required Qualifications:
Strong understanding of community needs, resources, and assets, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Familiarity with WIOA protocols and state and federal program requirements.
Proven ability to solve problems, analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.
Excellent communication skills, including writing reports and presenting to varied audiences.
Knowledge of local and regional resources to support participant success.
Required Education:
A combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the role effectively.
Emotional Effort:
This role involves working with participants facing significant challenges. Empathy, emotional resilience, and professionalism are essential to navigate sensitive conversations, set boundaries, and maintain a supportive environment. The role may include occasional high-pressure situations and short deadlines, balanced by routine daily tasks.
This job description is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to meet organizational objectives. The employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chattanooga, TN 37402
Salary : $50,000