Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist

Reports to: Workforce Development Director

Job Type: Full-time, exempt

*This position is grant funded and will end Jun 2016

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

  1. Stewardship
  • Educate local employers and other community members on the benefits of hiring men and women involved in Catholic Charities Workforce Development Program, with an emphasis on ex-offenders.
  • Develop a close relationship with employers who will hire program participants including those with a criminal record.
  • Conduct education/employment assessment on clients referred by case managers and other staff; assist clients as needed in attaining education/training goals.
  • Work with case managers and Workforce Development supervisors in identifying, obtaining and maintaining employment for the men and women in the program.
  • Match client to employer when indicated; work with case manager on meeting client needs for the job.
  • Document activities per program policies and as directed by supervisor; maintain employment assessment and other client forms as indicated.
  • Good computer skills required including knowledge/experience working with ACT or other employment data base.
  • Follow all policies and procedures regarding the agency and Workforce Development, including confidentiality.
  • Maintain accurate records of client jobs attained and new employer partnerships.
  • Follow agency policies regarding expenditures.
  1. Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Provide outreach services as needed and requested by supervisors.
  • Attend agency and community meetings as requested. Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to clients and to stay abreast of current trends and available resources.
  • Attend in-service training including internal and external conferences/workshops as required, requested and approved by supervisor.
  • Work toward developing a strong Workforce Development team which includes employers, case managers and supervisors, and other agency staff, in order to serve clients well, appropriately, and as a team.
  • In all community activities, represent the agency’s mission, purpose, and philosophy to the community.
  • Provide guidance and support to community volunteers working within the program.
  • Perform other activities as needed and requested by supervisor with the goal of attaining and maintaining seamless program operations.
  1. Commitment to Customers
  • Provide client advocacy services as needed.
  • Provide services to Welcome Center participants, case management and other participants and/or clients as needed and requested by supervisor.
  • Treat all internal and external customers with respect and exhibit positive behavior in dealing with clients, participants, co-workers, supervisors, volunteers and interns, partners, collaborators, and the general public.
  • Work together with Workforce Development staff to be a change agent so that the client/participant will be a productive, successful citizen and thereby keep the community safer.
  • Perform other activities as needed and requested by supervisor with the goal of providing excellent quality of services for the clients/participants, the program, agency, and community.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in human services, criminal justice, business or a related field with three to five years’ experience or Master’s Degree in human services, criminal justice, business, or a related field. Must have the ability to comprehend, document, and converse in Standard English. Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have good sound judgment and reasoning ability/skills; problem solving and conflict resolution skills; knowledge of computers and software programs; ability to interact positively with grantee, referral sources, other agencies and community partners; ability to work with diverse populations including those with a criminal record. Must be able to handle multiple demands and priorities and have excellent time management skills.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

Not applicable.

MINIMUM CERTIFICATES, PROFESSIONAL LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Not applicable.

MINIMUM TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Kansas City-St. Joseph areas.