Employment Specialist- DC

In addition to a competitive compensation, this position is also eligible for a sign - on bonus!

SUMMARY : While delivering innovative solutions, exceptional service, and trusted results, the Employment Specialist is responsible for classroom management and the day-to-day implementation of job-readiness activities for adult learners; prepares for and facilitates engaging, motivational, and skill- building workshops for adult participants; develops and implements job-readiness curriculum; and navigates customers through the workforce system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and prepare for all classes/workshops assigned; meet and instruct classes/workshops as designated.
• Teach life-skills lessons, career development, and essential skills for workplace success following defined curricula that includes, but is not limited to, critical thinking and decision making, budgeting, goal-setting, hygiene, resume preparation, interviewing, effective job search, work ethics, employer expectations, conflict resolution, time management, communication, professional appearance, and job retention.
• Instruct customers to research jobs, target resumes, and apply with appropriate employers, utilizing effective job-search methods and tools.
• Instruct customers to target jobs and industries based on their interests, skills, abilities, and experience.
• Create a stimulating learning environment that utilizes a variety of instructional methods, materials, and techniques.
• Maintain an energized learning atmosphere that engages customers, utilizing group-work, contextualized learning, scenarios, games, and activities that result in the acquisition and retention of desired skills.
• Retain a classroom environment that engages a culturally diverse customer-base with varied educational levels and work backgrounds.
• Establish positive rapport, serve as a role model to customers, and motivate them toward achieving goals.
• Respond to immediate and changing instructional needs of participants.
• Modify course objectives and curriculum as necessary using best practices.
• Maintain knowledge (awareness) of current trends in the job market and appropriately disseminate information to participants.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of classes and make necessary changes based on hiring requirements, customer needs, and classroom outcomes.
• Communicate with case-management staff on the progress, attendance, successes, and challenges of their customers.
• Communicate with business services and job development team on current employer trends.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and updated attendance records.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training, and supervisory sessions.
• Accept the responsibility of aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management, customer service, and organizational skills
• Ability to professionally adjust to unforeseen circumstances or programmatic changes.
• Ability to cultivate and manage high quality stakeholder relationships and demonstrated ability    to work with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to function at a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Must be a self-starter and committed to completing tasks in a timely manner, which may include working additional hours and/or over the weekend as needed.
• Must be resourceful and able to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Strong decision–making and analytical skills.
• Excellent coaching, facilitation, and teaching skills.
• Ability to apply creativity to training topics and modes of delivery.
• Adhere to Federal, State, and Contractor guidelines.
• Expertise in workforce development and career training for populations such as the District's TANF customers.
  
  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  The degree requirement may be substituted for eight (8) years of professional work experience. 
• Minimum five (5) years' experience adult learning, workforce development, career training, or other employment related field.
  
  

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Personal computer literacy required, including effective use of the Internet, e-mail, video conferencing (Zoom, Teams) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits package, which includes standard healthcare benefits, in addition to student loan repayment assistance, professional development funds, lifestyle wellness dollars, and so much more! For more information, please visit: Careers – Join KRA's Workforce Development Team