Talent Development Specialist

Job Title: Talent Development Specialist

Department: Workforce Management

Program: Ohio Means Jobs

Reports to: OMJ Supervisor

Position Supervised: None

Employment Class: Hourly, non-exempt

Workdays: M - F

Customary Hours: 8am - 5pm (*Hours are extended when workload is increased.)

Position Summary:

The Talent Development Specialist role will focus on connecting candidates with career counseling, guide individuals through job search strategies, occupational skills training to help them gain meaningful employment and facilitate access to training grants. The role also includes re-engaging customers post-training to assist with job placement and providing advice on career paths and development for Program's participant base. The Talent Development Specialist counsels and assists Program's participants regarding job search strategies, personal career advisement and training issues, identifying and working with barriers to employment, professional goal setting and planning. They will identify outside resources, programs and other services for customers as needed while maintaining knowledge/professional understanding of a vast array of occupations/career paths (for effective placement/processing and assessment of customers as well as determining services most appropriate for their career goals).

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Intake & Assessment:
   1. Conduct detailed intake interviews with job seekers to gather personal, employment, and educational information.
   2. Review assessments, such as Personal Profile & Employment Readiness (PP&ER) Traitify and other relevant tools, to evaluate skills, qualifications, and potential employment barriers.
   3. Administer assessments like skills evaluations and interest inventories to develop tailored employment plans.
   4. Identify and connect customers with relevant external resources, recruiters and services to enhance their career opportunities.
   5. Demonstrate strong strategies for re-engaging customers after training and finding employment for those customers.
   6. Analyzes and constructs critiques of resumes/required documentation for effective processing for customer eligibility utilizing AI tools and ChatGPT.
2. Develop Individual Employment Plans:
   1. Collaborate with job seekers to create individualized IEPs that outline employment goals, educational or training needs, and actionable steps.
   2. Ensure the IEP addresses any identified barriers and is updated regularly to reflect job seeker progress or changing circumstances.
   3. Work with job seekers to continuously refine IEPs to align with labor market trends and emerging opportunities.
3. Addressing Barriers to Employment:
   1. Provide follow-up to track job seeker progress and document outcomes.
   2. Identify barriers to employment such as lack of skills, transportation, childcare, mental health, substance abuse, or learning disabilities.
   3. Refer job seekers to supportive services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse programs, and vocational rehabilitation.
   4. Collaborate with community partners and business service team to ensure job seekers receive the necessary services to overcome barriers and achieve employment goals.
4. Compliance and Documentation:
   1. Maintain detailed case files and documentation in line with WIOA program requirements, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
   2. Track participant progress and outcomes in the electronic ARIES system, documenting all case notes, service plans, and follow-ups.
   3. Ensure timely submission of required reports and performance metrics for WIOA-funded programs.
   4. Manage the day-to-day relationship with customers, address customer concerns promptly with an action plan to ensure satisfaction.

Education and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development, WIOA programs, or career counseling.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Communication Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds with varying needs

Technology and Compliance:

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (MS Suite, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.)
• Knowledge of case management systems, preferably ARIES
• Understanding of WIOA guidelines, policies, and supportive services
• Commitment to compliance and ethical standards

Time Management and Organization:

• Ensures accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across all tasks
• Works independently with the ability to handle multiple tasks
• Manages workload effectively and delivers results in a timely manner

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low.
• The employee is required to occasionally travel to different work sites and community events as needed.
• Professional business attire and appearance required.