Workforce Development Technician I

A Note from Workforce We are currently hiring one staff in the Workforce Development Technician I classification. This individual will primarily work with the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) team, providing case management and employment services to individuals who receive cash assistance. The goal of the MFIP program is to support participants in remaining in compliance with MFIP program requirements, while helping them overcome barriers and attain their personal, education, and employment goals. This goal contributes to our department s overall purpose: To help individuals build economic self-sufficiency and achieve their potential. We do this by recognizing everyone s potential and using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach. We provide individualized coaching and support, personal and career-focused skill development, and connection to training and other resources. Across all our programs, our purpose is to help individuals build economic self-sufficiency and achieve their potential, while helping our community build a resilient economy through investment in its current and future workforce. We do this by recognizing everyone s potential and using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach. We provide individualized coaching and support, personal and career-focused skill development, and connection to training and other resources. Duluth Workforce Development is a team-oriented environment with dedicated staff who are experts in the field. Our workplace culture is collaborative, with opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills integrated into our day-to-day work. Equity is a core value, and we strive to create a workplace and service environment that is welcoming and inclusive. We seek an individual who gets along with others, and is interested in challenging their own biases in order to do their work in a way that is culturally competent. About the Job SUMMARY/PURPOSE This is an entry-level class within the Workforce Development Technician series performing work in compliance with government regulations and grant performance standards, planning, developing, and implementing programs to assist clients in pursuing their career goals, assist employers in meeting their workforce needs, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS Employees at this level are distinguished from the Workforce Technician II level by the amount of guidance and instruction needed to perform duties as assigned, and are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge, proficiency, or skill level as positions allocated to the Workforce Technician II. Positions at this level exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

• Instruct clients in job search and job retention strategies.
• Utilize existing curriculum for presentations and workshops that teach clients methods to obtain work and orient them toward programs and services available.
• Inform clients of and make referrals to other appropriate community resources.
• Recruit, enroll, and evaluate clients' performance in workforce development programs.
• Determine the need for and authorize support services within established guidelines.
• Analyze employment trends in order to advise clients in their job search.
• Arrange for opportunities for on-the-job training, skill upgrading, and certifications.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and job performance of work experience participants.
• Educate employers about tax benefits, insurance, and other benefits related to workforce development programs.
• Interface with employers and program participants to ensure employment and work experience placements are successful.
• Receive referrals and conduct interviews to determine program eligibility, investigating to identify and assess client problems, needs, strengths, and asse s.
• Complete initial and ongoing assessments to evaluate interests, aptitudes, abilities, and barriers to employment and to determine employment goals
• Utilize assessment results to write strengths-based employment plan, and monitor progress on plan implementation on at least a monthly basis.
• Counsel, guide, and evaluate clients' implementation and continued progress of their employment plans.
• Apply sanctions for noncompliance and remove them when corrective behaviors are demonstrated, where applicable.
• Conduct mandatory home visits as required by state and county government, following all safety protocols set by office policy, where applicable.
• Document all client activities and interactions through online case management system; create and maintain confidential records and files.
• Assist in preparing required reports.
• Correspond and collaborate with other agencies providing client services.
• Serve as a member of committees and interdisciplinary teams as required.
• Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
• Other duties may be assigned.