WIOA Employment Specialist

GOODWILL CENTRAL COAST•Watsonville, CA

5d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Support in-depth assessments, development of individualized employment and training plans, job readiness preparation, and job placement assistance to determine eligibility and ensure effective coordination of workforce development services under the day-to-day supervision of the WIOA Program Manager. This role involves engaging with participants to identify career goals, connect them to training opportunities, and provide ongoing support throughout their employment/training journey. Services may be delivered in person, online, or remotely through various technology platforms, including telephone, video conferencing (Zoom), text, and email.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent.
Three years experience as a job developer, employment training specialist, recruiter, or related profession.
Knowledge of vocational implications of disadvantaging and disabling conditions and of tools to educate participants to meet individual employment plans.
Understanding of barriers to employment faced by participants.
Knowledge of the local labor market and job search strategies, and familiarity with career exploration and job search tools or processes.
Ability to administer selected academic and vocational testing instruments.
Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, general Company policies and procedures (this may be learned on-the-job).
Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in computer technology, including advanced recordkeeping software, state-of-the-art internet job search techniques, and software programs.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and comply with the protocols and state and federal program requirements related to workforce development and social services programs.
Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Code of Ethics.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of the entire operations of the One Stop center and ability to work across functions as needed to ensure both the optimal delivery of services to the public and a supportive work environment.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility in service delivery times, including being available to attend community events or offer services during the evenings and weekends as determined to be in the best interest of serving the needs of the community.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Ability to understand others’ feelings and personal viewpoints and adapt accordingly.
Ability to organize and utilize time effectively to coordinate participant schedules.
Ability to reason, make generalizations, evaluations, and decisions based on both sensory/judgmental and measurable/verifiable criteria.
Ability to understand and follow program-specific policies and procedures.
Ability to adhere to safe work practices as documented in Company policies; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly to supervisor or safety committee member.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Valid California Class C driver’s license preferred.
Vocational counseling training and/or experience desirable.
Ability to communicate in basic Spanish desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform case management, which includes eligibility determination and intake, development and implementation of individualized employment plans, case documentation, and follow-up.
Manage each participant’s case by documenting evaluations, assessments, progress notes, and any referrals submitted to community agencies.
Maintain detailed case files to ensure compliance with WIOA program regulations and performance metrics.
Perform assessments that include a work history, employment skills and ability, educational history and competency, need for supportive services, identification of intensive and specialized employment needs, the skills to be attained, the resources available to obtain employment, and referrals to services for any other barriers to employment.
Provide career counseling and employment coaching to help participants develop job readiness skills.
Assist in resume writing, interview preparation, and professional skill-building to enhance employability.
Facilitate job readiness workshops on topics such as financial literacy, digital skills, career planning, and workplace professionalism.
Connect participants to vocational training, certification programs, apprenticeships, and other educational opportunities to improve their career prospects.
Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities including making employer contacts, understanding the local market requirements, reporting on placement and follow-up activities, and performing on-the-job interventions.
Collaborate with local employers, training providers and workforce partners to identify job opportunities and career pathways.
Maintain close contact with referring agents and facilitate communication regarding participant progress.
Work in cooperation with training providers and other organizations being used to facilitate work experience or employment.
Maintain accurate records of participant progress and case notes in compliance with WIOA regulations and performance metrics.
Perform designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the local contract outcomes and state program measures.
Assist as needed with job fairs, large recruiting/hiring efforts, and other community outreach events.
Perform other duties as assigned.