Career Specialist

SUMMARY

The Career Specialist is responsible for ensuring positive program outcomes for customers of CAO’s Workforce & Community Development Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determines participant eligibility and suitability for employment and training program services according to applicable program guidelines.
• Collects, organizes and analyzes information about individual customers through records, tests, interviews and professional sources to appraise their interests, aptitudes and personality characteristics, and formulates an employment plan of service.
• Compiles and studies occupational, educational, and economic information to aid individual customers in making and carrying out reasonable employment goals that will ultimately lead to family self-sufficiency.
• *Provides family-focused case management services to individual customers and their families.Obtains attendance reports and reviews for potential problems. Counsels customers as required for the successful completion of service plan.
• Arranges for placement in appropriate program activities as outlined in the service plan.
• Coordinates the use of services offered through the local workforce development system to ensure maximum utilization of all available resources.
• Assists participant customers in understanding and overcoming social and emotional problems.Makes internal and external referrals as appropriate.
• Provides career readiness activities to participants as a part of comprehensive programming.
• Conducts individual and group informational seminars on employment and training related topics such as: Employment Readiness, Career Advancement, Stress Management, Effective Study Habits,Basic Computer Operation, Internet Navigation, Money Management, etc.
• Reviews and provides/obtains support services required by individual customers and their families.
• Provides placement services in post-secondary training and/or unsubsidized employment and provides retention services to help ensure continued gainful employment. Arranges for training upgrades and other services as appropriate.
• Acts as intermediary to help resolve problems between participant customers and their respective employers/training providers. Conducts training site visits, work site visits and customer home visits as required.
• Follows up at regular intervals, obtaining feedback at each stage of the service plan with customers and other appropriate parties to determine effectiveness of plan, measure of customer’s success/satisfaction and further need for program services. Documents feedback received and updates and/or modifies service plan as necessary.
• Improves local awareness of CAO and the local workforce development system by making group presentations about services and programs available. Provides general information and training to agency staff, community organizations and area employers on the local workforce development system.
• Inputs and updates required information in applicable program data management system(s).
• Conducts periodic evaluations of program effectiveness and responsiveness, creates reports as needed and maintains all records necessary to meet program requirements. Coordinates activities with other program personnel as appropriate.
• Assists in the creation of a safety culture by working in a safe manner; reports unsafe situations and accidents; follows safety procedures; requests and uses safety equipment and safety techniques; and participates in safety training.
• Attends professional development seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
• Assumes additional duties and responsibilities as required.
• Participates on work-related committees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Communications or Social Work and 1 to 2 years professional experience in career counseling, social work, vocational guidance or other field related to the provision of employment services preferred. Pay rate is commensurate with educational level.

Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision making, time management, and organizational skills. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with individuals and large groups, as well as facilitate participant, community partner, and public meetings.

Strong commitment to learning and integrating cultural differences into day-to-day practices.

Regular and punctual attendance on the job.

Compliance with agency and departmental policies and procedures, including those related to customer confidentiality, drug free workplace, and criminal background requirements.

Operational knowledge of PC Operating Systems and Microsoft Office software package.

Familiarity with pertinent workforce development legislation, applicable labor laws and general knowledge of other social service programs within the Scioto County area.

Valid Driver’s License, automobile insurance and reliable transportation with ability to comply with agency’s vaccination policies.

WORK CONDITIONS AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS

There is frequent, personal contact with people; exposure to illness and communicable diseases,people with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, emotionally distraught, communication or memory impaired, confused and irate and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Must sit and operate keyboard or write for extended periods of time. Must be able to climb up and down stairs and walk on a variety of surfaces in various regional locations. Must work in fast-paced environment performing several different tasks in a brief time. Work is mostly indoors and sedentary; frequent visits to a variety of regional locations required. Must be able to comfortably lift forty (40) pounds. Must be able to drive agency and personal vehicles to transport customers, as needed.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED

Computer and data processing equipment. Standard office equipment, including but not limited to, multi-line switchboard, copier machine, fax machine, etc. Agency vehicles, including 12-passenger van

Pay: $22.80 - $24.49 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $24