Community Employment Specialist

State of Indiana•Franklin, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Employment Specialist is a customer-facing role with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, serving WorkOne customers in person and virtually. The position provides Wagner-Peyser employment services, including job-search assistance, career guidance, skills assessments, labor market information, and accurate enrollment in Indiana Career Connect. It ensures compliance with RESEA requirements, coordinates employer services with the regional Business Services Team, and collaborates with regional WorkOne partners. The position works 37.5 hours per week, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one hour for lunch. Remote work is not available. The salary traditionally starts at $42,900 and may be commensurate with education and work experience. A degree is not required; a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of relevant customer service experience may be considered.

Requirements

Ability to understand the different funding sources available to customers.
Working knowledge of client tracking methods.
Advanced research skills and ability to use internet-based resources.
Ability to communicate professionally and interact with different stakeholders.
Ability to manage relationships, motivate, and assist customers at various levels.
Ability to use the State’s current client services program system.
Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to prioritize work and be detail-oriented.
Ability to adapt to policy changes.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required; a high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) and at least one year of customer service experience applying relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Responsibilities

Gather information from applicants and evaluate their qualifications, educational backgrounds, and employment barriers.
Assist clients with job searches and resume-building activities.
Review assessments, client backgrounds, and vocational plan interests to recommend and coordinate with partner programs within WorkOne offices.
Recommend and administer assessment instruments and interpret aptitude results.
Explain community public assistance services and make referrals.
Explain available services to applicants and advise them on employment opportunities.
Refer clients to appropriate specialists for veterans’, disabled veterans’, and other specialized programs when necessary.
Use data tracking systems to record services provided to job seekers and business customers.
Assist with job and hiring fairs or talent-recruitment events.
Provide technical assistance to customers using automated systems, including Indiana Career Connect programs.
Present educational materials to groups or individuals.
Provide Wagner-Peyser employment services, including job-search assistance, career guidance, skills assessments, and labor market information.
Ensure accurate enrollment in Indiana Career Connect and full RESEA compliance.
Coordinate employer services with the regional Business Services Team and collaborate with regional WorkOne partners.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned; responsibilities may change with or without notice.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.