Workforce Development Specialist

Job Summary

Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD), a multi-jurisdictional, planning and development agency, is seeking a motivated, team-oriented and dynamic individual to serve as Workforce Development Specialist within our Community & Regional Economic Development (CRED) Division. This position provides administrative support, guidance and technical expertise for workforce development initiatives under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with a focus on talent pipeline development, regional workforce strategies, and continuous improvement of the workforce system. Responsibilities include ensuring programmatic and fiscal compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Duties

• Research, identify, and evaluate federal, state, and private funding sources (including WIOA, CDBG, and the Revolving Loan Fund) that align with the needs of local governments and community and workforce projects.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive and compelling grant and loan applications, project narratives, budgets, and required documentation for community development (housing, public facilities, enterprise, infrastructure) and regional workforce programs for funding from local, state, and/or federal programs.
• Administer grant-funded projects, ensuring strict programmatic and fiscal compliance with all applicable regulations, reporting guidelines, and project timelines.
• Maintain updated databases tracking grant opportunities, application deadlines, compliance metrics, project status, and employer contact repositories.
• Provide complete management, strategy development, performance monitoring, and reporting for youth services programs, serving as the lead staff for the Youth Committee.
• Lead regional workforce initiatives, including managing the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and serving as the primary lead for federal and state workforce initiatives.
• Promote regional training opportunities—such as On-the-Job Training (OJT), customized training, and incumbent worker training—by leveraging resources from KCTCS, Bluegrass State Skills, and other funding networks.
• Draft, develop, and execute formal business training contracts.
• Maintain workforce board membership records, identify prospective board candidates, process nominations, and lead orientation for new members.
• Serve as the primary technical expert and point of contact for local government officials, industrial authorities, and businesses providing guidance regarding community development initiatives.
• Act as the local expert on regional labor market intelligence; monitor and analyze economic data and workforce trends to adapt programming to meet employer and job seeker needs.
• Prepare quarterly labor market intelligence reports for the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board and generate professional project summaries for LTADD.
• Conduct research and data analysis to support strategic planning and project development.
• Build and maintain highly effective working relationships with local officials, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, businesses, and state/federal agencies.
• Represent the organization with community and workforce officials, attend meetings, workshops, and public events as an LTADD ambassador.
• Attend pertinent CRED related meetings as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Required: Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, Planning, Government, or related field.
• Required: A minimum of one (1) years of experience in government, workforce development, economic planning, or business program management.
• Required Certification: Possess or be able to actively obtain Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) Certification.

Pay: $21.07 - $23.47 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a passion for assisting with workforce issues?
• Have you worked with employers to meet their workforce needs? Assist with personnel fluctuations (hiring needs, layoffs and closures)?
• Have you ever worked with a youth looking for a career/training to become an active member of the workforce?
• Have you assisted with response efforts employees affected by a layoff or closure?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Workforce development: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $23