PROMISE JOBS - Workforce Advisor

State of Iowa • Cedar Rapids - 52401 - Linn County, IA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Iowa Workforce Development is seeking a PROMISE JOBS Workforce Advisor to serve as part of the Iowa WORKS team. The position provides compassionate, comprehensive case management to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. The advisor assesses needs and strengths, develops individualized employment and training plans, connects customers with community resources, and supports progress toward career readiness and financial self-sufficiency.

The position is based at 1025 Kirkwood Parkway, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Current practice allows one remote day per week and alternate schedules after successful completion of probation and training. Some travel is required, and employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. The starting wage is $24.23 per hour, or $50,398.40 annually.

Applicants must meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways: a four-year degree in any field; four years of specified relevant work experience; a combination of education and that experience totaling four years; or qualifying continuous Iowa executive-branch experience as a Workforce Associate. Selected positions may be subject to a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Meet at least one minimum qualification: graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; have four years of qualifying full-time work experience; have a combination of education and qualifying experience totaling four years, with 30 semester hours of accredited coursework equaling one year of experience; or have current, continuous Iowa executive-branch experience including 12 months of full-time work as a Workforce Associate.
• Qualifying experience includes career services; teaching or training to improve skills; job coaching; providing human services to individuals in need; sales; customer service; call center operations; or human-resources-related services involving interviewing, reviewing job applications, employment-related assessments, or job placement.
• Demonstrate commitment to serving people from diverse backgrounds with empathy, professionalism, and cultural humility.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to build rapport and foster trust with customers facing varied challenges.
• Have strong organization and time-management skills to balance cases, deadlines, and program requirements.
• Be flexible in adapting to changing program needs, customer circumstances, and agency priorities.
• Be able to use resources and solve problems independently.
• Arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Nice To Haves

• Skill in group facilitation or leading workshops.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing case management to participants.
• Assess barriers related to employment, education, transportation, childcare, health, and other factors affecting life stability.
• Develop, update, and monitor individualized plans with achievable steps toward self-sufficiency.
• Maintain detailed case documentation, including actions, referrals, participation, and progress toward goals.
• Provide personalized coaching, support, and follow-up to help customers remain motivated, engaged, and accountable.
• Connect customers with Iowa WORKS services, community agencies, education providers, and partner organizations.
• Facilitate participation in job-readiness activities, career exploration, and job search.
• Support customers pursuing education, vocational training, high school completion, or HiSET preparation.
• Coordinate services with the Department of Health and Human Services and community organizations.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance coverage.
• Paid vacation, starting at 96 hours per year and increasing with years of service.
• Paid sick leave of 144 hours per year.
• Nine paid holidays per year.
• IPERS retirement plan, with employee contributions of 6.29% and State of Iowa contributions of 9.44%.
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan, with the State matching dollar for dollar up to $75 per month.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent-care expenses.
• Life insurance.
• Free long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time