Workforce Development Specialist I

Workforce Development Specialist I

The Workforce Development Specialist I (WDSI) is a vital position within the Workforce Development Department, providing vocational rehabilitation services through the Supported Employment - Individual Placement Model. Core responsibilities for this position include vocational assessments, teaching job readiness skills, job development/placement assistance, job coaching, development of Work Based Learning Experiences (WBLE), and extended follow-along services for adults. Additionally, the WDSI plays an integral role in providing Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high school juniors and seniors.

A successful WDSI develops relationships with local businesses, advocates with potential employers to facilitate job matches, engages in outreach events, communicates professionally in oral and written form, conducts compelling presentations, and manages time effectively. The ideal candidate is a teacher in practice, a cheerleader in spirit, and a coach at heart, demonstrating a passion to support people with disabilities (PWD) to success in the workforce.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Successfully develop strategic partnerships with businesses and employment stakeholders that advance employment opportunities for PWD across the service region.
2. Assist PWD with developing pre-employment skills, such as resume writing, application completion, appropriate dress and hygiene, interview skills, and workplace etiquette.
3. Collaborate with the WD team to implement the vocational rehabilitation component of the Pathways to Success (PTS) Disability Innovation Fund demonstration project to drive program success and optimize positive outcomes for participants. Support the development of work-based learning experiences (WBLE) for participants within the Lighthouse and in businesses across the service region.
4. Provide direct services through State Vocational Rehab and PTS programs, which include conducting evaluations, supporting Individualized Plans for Employment, job developing, job readiness skills training, job coaching, offering ongoing job support, developing WBLE, and delivering Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
5. Manage a robust caseload of participants who are current job seekers with disabilities. Meet required departmental standards for successful client placements.
6. Collaborate with employers to create unique job opportunities specific to client goals, interests, and abilities.
7. Engage with potential employers to solicit interest in strong job candidates. Participate in outreach and recruitment activities by coordinating and attending job fairs and related activities.
8. Document all job development and participant engagement activities. Track caseload movement weekly by procedure, recording all activities in Salesforce and on state forms. Documentation must be clear, concise, and factual, while maintaining a tone that is professional and unbiased.
9. Administer Pre-ETS to teens according to Lighthouse Louisiana's strategic goals in compliance with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services requirements.
10. Continuously strive to enhance knowledge and skills that support the success of WD programs and participant outcomes.
11. Collaborate with the Workforce Development Director to create and implement training programs that advance the field for vocational rehabilitation professionals.
12. Participate in education and advocacy events to promote inclusion for PWD. Engage with the community at outreach events, representing the Lighthouse with superior polish and professionalism.
13. Foster a team environment with effective communication and a coordinated approach to providing services. Follow all Lighthouse policies and standard operating procedures.
14. Maintain confidentiality of information and material at the highest standards.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications & Requirements:

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in education, social services, vocational rehabilitation, or related field required. Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential required or willingness to attain CESP certification within one year of employment.
2. Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of disability and factors that affect successful employment. Ability to manage a caseload and flex time to achieve all weekly job tasks. Ability to effectively assess consumer strengths and weaknesses to determine a plan for overcoming challenges to employment stability. Effective teaching skills with ability to assess and adjust coaching to motivate and optimize progress. Strong troubleshooting skills. Superior oral and written communication skills. Ability to develop and perform professional presentations. Proficient in the use of MS Office tools.
3. Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of work experience supporting individuals with disabilities. At least 1 years' experience with case management. Experience working with teens preferred. Experience completing assessments and drafting professional reports preferred. Stable employment history required.
4. Supervisory Responsibility: None.
5. Physical: High energy and stamina. Able to effectively perform the specified duties. Ability to travel throughout the region to provide services across southeast Louisiana. Have the physical ability to perform tasks requiring bending, lifting, stooping, reaching overhead, and other tasks. Ability to stand/sit for prolonged periods while demonstrating or modeling training techniques with adaptation as needed.
6. Personality Traits: Professional, self-motivated, enthusiastic, confident, dependable, well-organized, flexible, able to motivate others, personable, well spoken, patient, adaptive, creative, confident, and a positive thinker. Able to work both independently and as a collaborator. Capable of preserving confidential and sensitive information.
7. Work Conditions: Office and community setting with weekly travel within the service region. Must be adaptable to a variety of work environments.
8. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. May require an occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work to support unique consumer needs. Weekly work schedule may fluctuate.
9. Pre-employment testing required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from background check and drug testing. Must also meet federal suitability requirements.
10. Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must have a reliable vehicle and be able to drive long distances.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by the employee's supervisor.

Accomplishments in these areas of responsibility will be the basis of the employee's evaluation, continuation of employment and change in compensation.

At Lighthouse Louisiana, we are committed to the principles of equal employment. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. We are dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment including, but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay (and other compensation), termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. In addition, we take affirmative actions to recruit, hire, promote and retain veterans.