Position Detail

Workforce Development Specialists

Job Vacancy Notice: 12/15/2012
Deadline Date: 1/4/2013

JOB SUMMARY: These individuals will provide professional employment and training related services and activities to public assistance recipients through the Promise Jobs program. These individuals will conduct intakes, interview customers, and gather, analyze, and record information required to maintain accurate case files; evaluate and interpret customer’s vocational/educational potential through aptitude and/or psychological assessments measuring interest, abilities, and work values; assist customers in forming realistic, reasonable and achievable vocational/educational goals and plans and identifying barriers to employment; jointly develop educational/vocational plans with customers and modify plans as appropriate; negotiate contracts with educational institutions and employers to fulfill the customer’s educational/vocational plan; monitor customer’s progress toward completion of the educational/vocational plan; advise customers on career trends and educational opportunities; provide on-going emotional support and encouragement; assist customers with personal issues and crisis intervention; develop and maintain rapport with customers through open and effective communication; provide on-going academic and career guidance; facilitate workshops and/or participate in the development of curriculum; operate multi-media equipment and use visual aids; present program information to customers one-on-one or in groups; work as team members in solving problems and improving service delivery; foster the growth and cooperation between community agencies for the benefit of the customer; serve as liaison between customer and community agencies; recruits appropriate customer base; recruit employers and develop job opportunities for customers; have a working knowledge of community resources; exercise tact and discretion in communicating and dealing with persons of varying cultural, social, racial, gender, age and economic backgrounds; assist in the development of various programs; operate project within budget guidelines; complete statistical records, analyzes results, and incorporate the findings to ensure achievement of customer objectives and program goals; foster open communication between customers within grants / projects; maintain knowledge of current local, state, and federal program requirements; determine need and eligibility for financial assistance; process and authorize appropriate payments; and meet program goals and objectives. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree in human services, public administration, business, or related field and one year work experience in human services. Working knowledge of issues facing a broad customer base including youth, economically disadvantaged, unemployed, dislocated workers, or under-employed persons. Working knowledge of interviewing and case management techniques. Working knowledge of current industry practices to coordinate and facilitate workshops. Working knowledge of budget administration and fiscal monitoring. Demonstrated ability in working with a diverse population and knowledge of community resources. Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing in order to persuade, interpret, and inform. Ability to use the computer for word processing and database management. Must be able to travel to and from appointments and meetings.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Two full time position openings, one position located in Cedar Rapids and one position located in Waterloo, with a comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, life, and LTD insurance; a Section 125 plan for medical and dependent care expense; holiday, personal, sick, and vacation leave; and a choice of retirement programs--IPERS (defined benefit) or TIAA-CREF (defined contribution).
 

Application Procedure

• complete an online employment application OR
• contact Human Resource Services to request application and information materials