What are the responsibilities and job description for the Career Specialist position at VersAbility Resources Inc.?
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Career Specialist to join our team to provide comprehensive career development support for individuals with disabilities. This role will focus on assisting clients with workforce training, guiding them through successful program completion, and helping them obtain professional certifications. The Career Specialist will also emphasize the development of workplace readiness skills to ensure increased employability and long-term career success for individuals with disabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Assessment and Individualized Planning: Conduct intake interviews and assessments to identify client needs, skills, barriers to employment and career planning. Collaborate with clients to develop personalized career development plans that include workforce training, professional certification goals, and workplace readiness skills. Provide tailored guidance on choosing appropriate training programs and certifications based on the client’s strengths, interests, and employment goals.
- Workforce Training Support: - Assist clients in navigating and enrolling in relevant workforce training programs, including online, in-person, and hybrid options. - Monitor client progress through training programs, offering regular check-ins, motivational support, and troubleshooting as needed. - Provide advice and advocacy to ensure that clients receive any necessary accommodation during their training to support success.
- Workplace Readiness Skills Development: Facilitate workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions & group workshops focused on building workplace readiness skills such as communication, time management, professionalism, teamwork, and problem-solving. Assist clients in creating and refining resumes, cover letters, and job applications tailored to specific industries or job roles. Conduct mock interviews and offer job search strategies to help clients feel confident and prepared when applying for employment.
- Certification and Credentialing: Guide clients through the process of obtaining relevant professional certifications and credentials. Provide resources and support for preparation and exam readiness, including study materials and practice exams. Assist clients in understanding the value of certifications in enhancing employability and career growth.
- Employer Engagement & Job Placement Support: Establish and maintain relationships with local employers, businesses, and industry partners to create job placement opportunities for clients. Facilitate job fairs, networking events, educational partners and employer presentations to connect clients with potential employers. Support clients in preparing for job interviews and securing employment, ensuring they are set up for success in their new roles.
- Ongoing Support and Case Management: Provide post-placement support to ensure clients are successfully integrated into the workforce, including job retention services and follow-up check-ins. Track client progress through training programs, certification attainment, and employment outcomes. Offer continued guidance and advocacy to address any challenges or obstacles clients may encounter in their professional journey.
- Collaboration and Community Outreach: Work closely with other team members, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and community organizations to ensure a holistic approach to client success. Assist with Recruiting & Marketing strategies alongside the Workforce Development Manager. Attending job fairs and building relationships with educational entities to advocate for the “Future of Work” program. Stay informed on disability rights, workplace accommodations, and available resources to best assist clients in overcoming barriers to employment.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes. Prepare and submit regular reports on program activities, client achievements, and overall program effectiveness.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to pass a background check and drug screening.
- Experience working with individuals in workforce development, or career counseling capacity.
- Knowledge of workforce training programs, professional certifications, and workplace readiness skills development.
- Strong interpersonal and coaching skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, employers, educational institutions, and community partners.
- Experience with case management and maintaining client records. A passion for helping individuals with disabilities succeed in achieving their career goals.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational rehabilitation center Certification in vocational rehabilitation (CRC, CDMS, or similar credential). Experience using career development tools and software, Microsoft office suite and Teams. Familiarity with local labor market trends and employer needs.
Physical Requirements: Ability to travel to community-based locations, job fairs, employer meetings, etc. Ability to sit & stand for extended periods and occasionally lift materials up to 25 pounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
