WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Workforce Development Specialist

Position Number: 22164497 Location: Little Rock, AR, US, 72201 Category: DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Anticipated Starting Salary: 58,700.10

Hiring Official: Gina Chandler, Veterans Service Administrator This position is located at the Arkansas Dept. of Veterans Affairs 501 Woodlane St. 401N Little Rock, AR 72201

Job Summary

As a Veterans Employment Specialist within the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, you will serve as a vital bridge between world-class military talent and top-tier employers. In this role, you will liaise directly with companies and government agencies to identify their specific workforce needs and talent gaps. Armed with this insight, you will actively connect these organizations with transitioning service members, active-duty personnel, and veterans. Your mission extends beyond state lines; you will not only place exceptional candidates already living in Arkansas but also spearhead efforts to attract and import top military talent from across the country, positioning the state as a premier destination for post-service careers. On the candidate side, you will interface daily with veterans and service members, acting as a dedicated advocate and career coach during their transition to the civilian workforce. As part of this job, you will assist service members translate their military service, leadership experience, and technical skills into compelling, competitive resumes that civilian employers immediately understand and value. By providing personalized guidance and leveraging your employer network, you will empower our nation's heroes to navigate the job market with confidence, ultimately transforming their distinguished military careers into meaningful, impactful, and long-lasting civilian jobs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cross-Sector Collaboration
• Public Speaking & Stakeholder Relations
• Case Management & High-Volume Interfacing
• Veterans Program Familiarity
• Talent Acquisition Skills
• Career Coaching & Resume Development
• Military-to-Civilian Skills Translation

All job offers and continued employment are contingent upon passing the pre-employment drug-screening, criminal background check, and adult maltreatment central registry checks (if applicable). You have the right to obtain a copy of the reports from the registries. The State of Arkansas offers employees access to health and dental benefits, retirement plans, life insurance, disability coverage, paid leave, wellness programs and much more.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Workforce Development Classification: Workforce Development Specialist Class Code: PWD03P Pay Grade: SPC01 Salary Range: $58,700 – $86,876

Job Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development initiatives. This role performs a variety of administrative, logistical, and research tasks that help connect job seekers with employment opportunities and training resources. Ideal for recent graduates or professionals beginning their career in workforce development, this classification offers exposure to community engagement, program coordination, and data analysis, all aimed at strengthening local labor markets and promoting economic growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, and manage documentation for workforce development projects.
• Assist with the preparation of presentations, reports, and meeting minutes for internal and external personnel.
• Input, update, and maintain program data in databases and spreadsheets.
• Compile periodic reports on program outcomes, participant progress, and labor market trends.
• Provide logistical support for career fairs, training workshops, and community engagement events.
• Assist in outreach efforts by communicating with local employers, community organizations, and training providers to promote workforce programs.
• Help the workforce development team with research, including labor market assessments and best practice evaluations.
• Support the development of program materials, educational resources, and marketing collateral.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for public inquiries regarding workforce initiatives.
• Aid in organizing meetings and maintaining relationships with key community partners.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate clear interactions with team members, community partners, and program participants. Basic proficiency in interpreting data and preparing reports to inform program improvements and track outcomes. Competence in standard office software and the agility to learn new systems or tools as needed for data management and collaboration. A collaborative mindset with a willingness to engage with varied community members and build strong professional relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field. Basic familiarity with data management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) is beneficial. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs. Licensure/Certifications N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.