Employment Specialist

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct client assessments in order to identify barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment; assists clients in overcoming these barriers.
• Seek out potential employment sources.
• Development and placement into Community Service and Work Experience Programs.
• Conduct on-site visits to employers. Match the client with the employment opportunities, based upon interests, skills and employer’s requirements.
• Stay abreast of resources available in regard to childcare, domestic violence, utilities, and transport, etc.
• Facilitate personal resource development with clients (i.e.-personal hygiene, proper work attire, resume writing, relationship building with coworkers, etc.).
• Teach JRA (Job Readiness) classes, or assist others in the teaching of such classes, when needed.
• Work one-on-one with clients concerning job readiness activities, GED testing, childcare, housing, transportation, counseling, basic needs and make referrals when appropriate to various agencies, community groups, food banks, etc. to meet client’s needs.
• Conduct group job search workshops.
• Stay abreast of the employment opportunities in the coverage area. Market the Employer Wage Subsidy Program.
• Conduct client home visits, when appropriate.
• Job development and Job placement activities with clients.
• Cooperate with KCTCS to provide barrier resolution, retention and tracking services.
• Mediate between the employee (client) and employer when necessary to facilitate retention.
• Use OTIS/KYNECT to access client information and enter data.
• Maintain required program reports and client files.
• Attend DCBS staff meetings and client orientations.
• Attend client case conferences.
• Strive to meet programs’ measurable outcomes.

Education Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
• Relevant work experience will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Licensing Requirements

• Valid Driver’s Licenses

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal, state, and local entitlement and welfare to work programs.
• Ability to network and work effectively with elected and/or appointed officials, professionals, the general public, and staff colleagues.
• Communication skills, especially ability to clearly and concisely describe objectives in written form.
• Genuine, demonstrated interest in economic welfare of the constituents in the district.
• Possess and exhibit a congenial, energetic, and supportive attitude toward entrepreneurs, businesses, and are leaders in respective development efforts.
• Demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness in carrying out tasks required to implement economic development.
• Time Management, Detailed Oriented, Professional discretion, Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Abilities

• Ability to quickly learn new information and relay to others.
• Must be able to prioritize and organize multiple demands and seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.
• Must have attendance and punctuality traits.
• Strong organizational skills and decision making.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with public officials, employees and the public with tact, diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use own judgment.