Contingent Professional - County Administration, Office of Workforce Development

Howard County (MD) • Columbia, MD

235d

About The Position

The position involves providing professional employment assessment, counseling, and case management services to participants in workforce development programs. This includes orienting customers to and enrolling them in the full range of services available, providing information about and linkages to supportive services, and working individually to develop customized retraining and reemployment plans that best meet individual needs, interests, and abilities. The role also encompasses a full range of counseling and referral services, assisting in achieving federal, state, and local goals and objectives. Other related duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year related experience.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to a diverse population.
• Possess strong organization, documentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team member in a customer-driven environment.
• Knowledge of computerized tools; e.g., accessing Internet-based job search information.
• Detail-oriented with strong customer service skills.
• Experience in conducting assessments utilizing a variety of assessment tools.
• Workforce development experience, including knowledge of DOL regulations, case management, customer service, quality principles.
• Ability to multi-task, develop priorities, and reprioritize as required.
• Effective communication skills including written, oral, and public speaking for conducting workshops.
• Creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team (both internally and in the community) to ensure maximum level of coordinated services that benefit the customer are achieved.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft applications and other case management software.
• Knowledge of professional ethics including confidentiality policy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prescreening to determine eligibility for workforce development programs.
• Provide educational and vocational guidance to unemployed and underemployed individuals ranging from GED to PhD.
• Assist participants in achieving career goals through occupational skills training, job search, placement, and employment retention.
• Counsel individuals and groups to assist in appropriate direction and focus in career development, life skills, and lifelong learning.
• Assist with developing resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, and researching labor market trends to prepare customers for their job search.
• Familiarity with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other federal, state, and local workforce development grants.
• Develop and present career and job search workshops and orientation sessions to job seekers.
• Monitor, enter, track, and manage customer progress timely and accurately.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies and legislation.
• Represent agency at internal/external meetings and events.
• Initiate and develop ongoing community relationships and plan community outreach activities.
• Refer clients to appropriate services in the community.
• Operate within multiple programs and grants; learn and follow multiple policies, procedures, and processes.
• May be leading POC for various grants, projects, and initiatives.
• May be required to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Provide services to customers via virtual platforms.
• Proficiently navigate and manage virtual platforms to provide workforce development services.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees