Career Specialist

Job Title

This position significantly impacts each participant's opportunity to gain employment and self sufficiency. It also impacts the department's ability to meet performance goals and to pass all federal, state, and local monitoring reviews. In addition, this position figures significantly in the Workforce Development Group's ability to meet the service demands of a customer driven program.

Examples of Duties

Principal duties include:

• Providing a full range of employability development and case management services to an assigned caseload under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act and all related workforce development programs.
• Determining eligibility of applicants under various WIOA funding streams. Providing accurate information concerning eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and application procedures. Completing all forms, collecting required documentation related to eligibility determination, and maintaining this information in client files and other record keeping systems.
• Assessing applicant suitability for employment and training programs and services. Referring appropriate applicants to programs not managed by WIOA. Providing information on the full range of available services and counsels applicants about the same.
• Referring all suitable applicants to objective assessment. Reviewing assessment reports with applicants, as well as applicant's job training and supportive services needs.
• Developing an individual employability plan (IEP) for each applicant, recording all case management related information including the individual's employability development plan. Updating the IEP on an on-going basis.
• Providing participants with career, and education information, as well as current employment trends, growth occupation projections and job search assistance.
• Enrolling each assigned participant into one or more appropriate WIOA Title I, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act or related training programs and/or supportive services. Maintaining a current and accurate enrollment record for all assigned participants. Completing exit records as approved by the Field Office Supervisor.
• Managing program budgets in accordance with obligation and de-obligation system procedures and instructions. Authorizing payments for participant training and service costs.
• Monitoring participant's achievement of performance standards. Maintaining regular contact with all participants assigned to case load.
• Entering all appropriate participant information including training, service and termination records into the IWDS system. Maintaining knowledge of partner programs and being able to make appropriate referrals and effective coordination.
• Performing all general customer service activities including responding to general inquiries, assisting with orientations and other outreach activities and facilitating services in Southwestern Illinois workNet™ Center Resource Rooms.
• Maintaining knowledge of WIOA programs and related federal, state, and local policy and regulations relevant to WIOA Title I and Trade Adjustment Assistance Act.
• Maintaining a professional working relationship with and knowledge of other agencies and programs to facilitate the referral of applicants in need of other services as well as the necessary exchange of information relative to common clients.
• Preparing routine and special reports as directed by Field Office Supervisor.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations of all WIOA titles, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act and programs, and other related workforce development programs. Ability to comprehend and apply regulatory intent and make objective decisions concerning eligibility, program suitability and assessments.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to ensure completion of accurate, informative files. Ability to write reports and professional correspondence with accuracy. Ability to communicate to officials, supervisors, individuals or groups effectively.
• Ability to evaluate the personal characteristics, barriers, educational and work experience, interests, aptitudes, and temperaments of applicants and participants in terms of their occupational viability.
• Knowledge of the principles of individual appraisals, vocational advising, testing, and counseling theories and practices.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, employers, service providers, educators and representatives of public and private agencies.
• Social service skills and knowledge of the social and supportive service resources available to clients.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data.
• Problem solving and decision-making skills at a level to justify the services provided to clients and the actions taken in providing such services.
• Ability to operate and use computers and office equipment.
• Ability to perform all physical functions and activities essential to position including but not limited to daily attendance; travel as required; sitting for long periods; use of computer keyboard and monitor; and lifting client files.

Education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Social Science, Education, Psychology or related field from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Two or more years of responsible case management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Trade Adjustment Act programs is preferred.

Supplemental Information

An equal opportunity employer.