WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS), Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA), is seeking a Workforce Specialist to provide employment-related services to job seekers and connect them with Arizona businesses. The role helps people obtain employment, maintain or strengthen current employment, and build sustainable careers. Services may be provided individually or in groups, in person, virtually, or by phone, and may support different programs or specialized populations depending on assignment. The position uses a business methodology focused on continuous improvement. Depending on the population served, the specialist may work at client gathering places, housing or farm locations, rural areas, or correctional facilities, and may work outside traditional business hours. Travel is required for client meetings, outreach events, and office coverage. Employees driving on State business must hold a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license, meet State training and driving-record requirements, and maintain required insurance when using a personal vehicle.

Requirements

Two years of public-contact or customer-service work experience, employment counseling, or recruitment is listed as an ideal-candidate qualification.
High school diploma or equivalent is listed as an ideal-candidate qualification.
Knowledge of labor-market information and in-demand industries and occupations.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies, and transferable skills.
Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions affecting the populations and areas served.
Customer service, teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal communication, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, presentations, and interviewing.
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, staff and client needs, and interruptions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google tools, database systems, computers, and technology platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom; ability to use these tools while maintaining client confidentiality.
Ability to learn and apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, including Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules and policies.
Ability to plan and organize work according to Division priorities and time-management methods.
Ability to work independently and as part of diverse teams, and to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent on completion of the process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), as required of newly hired State employees.
For State-business driving, possess and maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license; complete required training and pass required license-record checks; maintain an acceptable driving record; and maintain statutorily required liability insurance when driving a personally owned vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with farmworkers, refugees, and veterans.
Service-connected disabled veteran with other than a dishonorable discharge.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach and case management, including assessing clients’ skills, abilities, work histories, employment barriers, and career interests; following up on retention; developing employment plans; determining eligibility; and providing labor-market and in-demand occupation information.
Identify and coordinate formal and informal resources to help clients remove barriers, develop skills, and obtain certifications.
Use databases to register and refer job seekers, and maintain accurate records and reports in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and performance standards.
Provide customer service and program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community.
Maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations, and other agency personnel; resolve customer issues and complaints; and apply veteran priority of service for veteran clients when applicable.
Travel for client meetings, outreach and events, and office coverage; work at locations and hours appropriate to the population served.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation and sick time.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Stipend opportunities.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.