Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist
Department: Youth Resource Center
Classification: Human Service Worker IV – Hourly/Non-Exempt
Reports To: Youth Resource Center (YRC) Program Manager
SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the YRC Program Manager, the Workforce Development
Specialist is responsible for assessing clients based on their education, skills and talent,
creating and facilitating various job readiness programs, matching clients to specific jobs that
suit their talents. In addition, this position would assist clients with their resumes, conduct mock
interviews and monitor job retention. The Workforce Development Specialist uses a holistic,
person-centered approach with the job seeker and their support team to secure competitive
integrated employment. The Workforce Development Specialist would work closely with
employers in the community, building relationships and partnerships that could lead to job
placement.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Workforce Development Specialist will take on an Employment First approach by
partnering with the job seeker to identify skills, preferences, and strengths that will allow for
matching them to the needs of targeted businesses.
Target and identify types of businesses to contact based on the needs and interests of job
seekers.
Develop partnerships with these potential employers.
Maintain updated information on new area businesses, types of jobs available, and locations
of job sites within the community.
Develop a system for compiling and organizing information on businesses, including files of
pertinent information on each employer identified. Input and maintain timely
database/computer updates of employer contacts, job leads, and related information to
improve department productivity, business partnerships, and for reporting purposes.
Develop methods to assist job seekers in their job search process. Assemble job seeker
portfolios, including resumes (including video and visual), letters of introduction and
references. Assist in completing job applications, arranging job interviews, working
interviews and job sampling. Utilize social media/electronic media, as well as traditional job
search resources. Demonstrate personalized job development and relationship marketing,
utilizing personal networking.
Provide job coaching and support to ensure retention which could include: interviewing,
screening, and referring qualified applicants for open positions of all levels.
Educate clients about entitlement systems and their responsibility for reporting required
employment information to Social Security, DSS, IRS, etc.
Assist clients in accessing external resources and work incentives necessary to support
vocational plans.
Promote effective relationships among clients, families, and service providers, and educate
them where appropriate regarding SCS services.
Assist in planning and implementing employment recognition activities.
Facilitate and recommend training to job candidates.
Keep notes on clients updated to the day in the confidential electronic files system used
by the agency.
Maintain statistics regarding service delivery and other services provided to clients as
necessary.
Participate in scheduled supervisory sessions with YRC Program Manager and the
Director of Client Services
Other duties as assigned.
GENERAL DUTIES
Active participation in team meetings to assist with ensuring the clients receive appropriate
and timely services and to provide input to enhance service delivery for program
participants.
Maintain awareness of community resources.
Manage tasks assigned.
Remain compliant with agency documentation standards at all times.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in social science or educational fields
Minimum two (2) years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, their
families, and/or adults as a resource coordinator, career counselor, guidance counselor,
social worker, or other similar position.
Minimum five (5) years of experience with High School Diploma or GED in lieu of Bachelor’s
Degree
Strong Organizational Skills.
Ability to effectively communicate with youth and young adults and prospective employers
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
Current Driver’s License.
Safe Driving Record.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Exemplify strong oral and writing skills. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients, collaborative agencies or employees of the
Agency. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to manage projects and
design educational programs.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Basic math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are required.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Current Maryland Driving License
Safe Driving Record
Salary Range:
$24.00-$26.00 hourly
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary
functions. The physical demands of this positon are as follows:
Routine office mobility
Ability to transport self to meetings out of the office as necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position will work in the Youth Resource Center and will be required to travel to other
partner and community-based sites within Baltimore City, and occasionally within Central
Maryland.