What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at The WRK Group?
Position Summary
The Employment Specialist is responsible for facilitating employability skills training and coaching for residents of Riverside and WHA who need Workforce Development Services to increase the likelihood of upward economic mobility. This position will assist clients with identifying career interests and aptitudes, completing employability skills and credential training courses, identifying job/work experiences, and successfully obtaining and retaining employment. The Employment Specialist will drive career success by assisting clients with all aspects of the job search and retention phases, documenting outcomes achieved and providing support to reduce or alleviate barriers.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These essential functions are performed on a frequent and recurring basis by an incumbent and include but are not limited to:
Program Development
- Develop and lead new and expanded initiatives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Devise strategies to ensure growth of programs and initiatives
- Assist with recruitment, screening, intake, eligibility determination, and enrollment, including promotion of program and assistance to you in obtaining needed documents for enrollment (i.e., proof of income, health records)
Instruction and Facilitation
- Facilitate employability skills training courses and workshops
- Facilitate job search activities and workshops, including scheduling interviews, wardrobe and/or transportation assistance, and other support services
Community Engagement
- Network with businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government offices to identify resources and develop and maintain partnerships to strengthen service delivery, to develop programs, and address community needs
- Represent the organization in public forums and with donor agencies and foundations as required
- Maintain an active understanding of agency programs to increase opportunities for support and collaboration
- Practice continuous learning through individual study, classroom training, seminars, and conferences
- Participate in regular meetings/discussions, taking meeting minutes as needed.
Resource Management
- Maintain a clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment, including the organization of space, storage of supplies and materials, and sanitation of equipment.
Data Management and Reporting
- Assist with the coordination and implementation of events (such as recognition and incentive activities, job fairs, community events, and participant orientations)
- Uphold agency policies and standards, ensuring legislative regulations are followed (e.g., accidents, incidents, and disciplinary actions) and compliance with contractual requirements
- Analyze information and maintain complete, organized, and accurate documentation (including email communication)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Competencies
Candidate must have the ability to:
- Be a self-starter, with a high level of initiative, and a proven proactive thinker who thrives in a dynamic and matrixed environment.
- Exercise initiative and sound judgment in analyzing complex issues and problems, identify, and evaluate alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Express ideas, concepts, and technical information clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
- Manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail, organization and effective time management skills.
- Proficiently utilize Microsoft Office suite, database management and graphics applications such as Adobe, Photoshop, Publisher, and CRM software.
- Analyze complex issues and problems, identify, and evaluate alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Work with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.
- Be a team player, adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility as workstreams shift.
- Manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and effective time management skills.
- Be culturally sensitive and open to constructive feedback.
- Maintain confidentiality.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibility.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, and general hours of work and days are Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm; however, hours/days may vary based on business necessity.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which has equipped applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Experience
At least two years of experience working with at-risk participants in a social services or education setting.
Licensing/Certification Requirements
- First Aid/CPR preferred; must be certified within first 60 days of hire.
Conditions of Hire
- A satisfactory criminal background and reference check, a valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.