EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist helps job seekers and employers connect with meaningful employment opportunities by applying skills in career coaching, assessment, resource navigation, communication and problem solving. This position works directly with individuals to understand their skills, interests, employment goals and barriers; identifies appropriate employment opportunities and connects customers with resources that support successful employment.

Essential Duties:

Job Seeker Services & Career Coaching

Engages job seekers in conversations that identify their skills, experience, interests, goals, and employment needs.

Assesses job readiness and identifies strengths, skill gaps, and barriers that may affect employment

Helps individuals identify realistic career pathways and employment opportunities based on their skills and goals

Provides individualized coaching, active job search assistance, resume development, interview preparation, and career navigation.

Identifies appropriate resources, services, and referrals and helps customers navigate those resources

Supports job seekers in developing and completing employment plans and achieving identified goals.

Identify barriers to employment; work with internal and external partners to alleviate such barriers.

Provide customer service by actively listening to and being inquisitive about the whole person and engaging in service delivery with a collaborative, human-centered approach.

Coordinate with other program case managers to support job seekers in completion of employment plans.

Workshop Facilitation & Resource Room Support

Facilitate workshops and group activities related to job searching, resumes, interviewing, and work readiness.

Presents information to individuals and groups in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner.

Assists job seekers in using the Resource Room computers, online employment resources, unemployment systems, job applications, and training enrollment systems.

Adapts instruction and communication approaches to meet different levels of knowledge, experience and comfort with technology.

Coordinates and facilitates assessments as assigned.

Employer Engagement and Workforce Development

Translates employer needs into clear job opportunity information and appropriate candidate referrals

Matches job seekers to employment opportunities by considering the skills, qualifications, interests, and needs of both the job seeker and employer.

Provides employers with information and resources that support effective recruitment and hiring.

Coordinates and supports job fairs, hiring events, seminars, roundtables, and other workforce development activities.

Develops and presents labor market information for employers, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Assists with layoffs and rapid response activities as needed.

Outreach & Program Communications

Communicates program information through online, in-person, and community based outreach.

Represents the Workforce Center professionally in community settings and workforce development activities.

Works collaboratively with team members and partners to respond to community workforce needs.

Youth Employment Services (Specialized Function):

Presents workforce and employability information to youth in schools, the Workforce Center, and community settings.

Builds partnerships with schools, colleges, and community organizations to expand employment and workforce development opportunities for youth.

Connects youth with appropriate employment, training, and workforce development resources.

Participates in local and state initiatives designed to improve youth employment outcomes.

H2-A Housing Inspections (Specialized Function):

Travels to housing sites throughout Mesa County and surrounding areas, including remote locations.

Applies knowledge of applicable labor housing requirements to inspect H-2A visa applicant housing

Plans and manages the inspection territory, including scheduling, reporting and follow-up activities.

Explains applicable requirements to stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.

Communicates with the state coordinator regarding program updates, inspections and documentation requirements.

Maintains accuracy and timely inspection records and reports.

Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Qualifications:

Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant post-secondary education, coursework, or certifications may be used toward demonstrating the required core competencies.

Core Competencies

We value experience in workforce development, career counseling, human resources or any field that requires coaching, collaboration and human-centered service delivery. We are seeking someone who can empower individuals to achieve employment and training goals through effective coaching, resource navigation, and relationship building. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to balance participant needs, program requirements, and community partnerships while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service. Individuals must demonstrate the following competencies:

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to explain and/or present complex program requirements, employment resources, and career pathways in a clear and accessible manner to individuals or groups.

Ability to build trusting relationships and effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, supporting them in overcoming barriers and achieving their goals

Strong coaching, active listening, and motivational skills to guide participants through career planning, training, and employment-related decisions

Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate documentation and data entry in compliance with program requirements including Federal, State, and county regulations, policies, and procedures.

Adaptability and the ability to navigate changing systems, policies, funding requirements, and workforce development priorities while maintaining high-quality service delivery

Experience

Individuals typically develop these competencies through approximately two (2) years of experience or education in fields such as:

Social work or human services

Career Counseling or Workforce Development

Human Resources

Case management, eligibility, or compliance-driven roles

Other positions requiring person-centered service, collaboration, and multi-tasking in a fast paced environment

A valid Colorado driver's license is required.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is beneficial, but not required.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Working Environment :

This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment, or an outside employer's work environment (which could include both outdoors and indoors).

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment. A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts.

Travel, if the travel is a regular and necessary condition of the work performed.

This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits:

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Life insurance

Long term disability