Career Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: 

Welcome to the dynamic and innovative team at the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center (BWC), where passion meets purpose! As a vital resource hub serving Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties, the BWC facilitates successful connections between job seekers and businesses. Our array of services and programs assess job seekers’ career interests, impart necessary employment skills, and explore diverse career opportunities. 

If you're passionate about making a difference and enjoy guiding individuals to discover their purpose, the Career Specialist position might be your ideal fit. Working as a Career Specialist for the BWC offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity to make a tangible impact on individuals and communities. The role involves guiding individuals to discover their purpose, advocating for equitable access and economic mobility, and supporting underrepresented populations. Jefferson County's Business & Workforce Center (BWC) serves as a dynamic and innovative hub, fostering collaboration, creativity, and growth. As a Career Specialist, you'll play a vital role in shaping the future of workforce development programs, contributing to the success of job seekers and businesses in Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties. The position provides a platform for resource connectors, planners, advocates, and problem solvers to utilize their skills in creating positive change. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive work environment, working as a Career Specialist in Jefferson County allows individuals to redefine possibilities, build a rewarding career, and make a meaningful impact on the community. 

SCHEDULE: M-F flexible schedule 

The Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center utilize a hybrid model workplace that balances the responsibilities of public service with the benefits of a flexible work environment. During the training period, employees are required to work in the office 4 days per week. After training has been completed and core competencies have been demonstrated, employees are required to work in office 3 days per week but may be asked to work in office 4 days per week based on agency need. Employees must have access to a private workspace with a reliable internet connection when working remotely within the State of Colorado. Employees must have access to reliable vehicles to work offsite when needed. 

COMPENSATION:  

Hiring Range: $24.23-$30.29 USD Hourly 

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills. 

BENEFITS: 

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement; flexible schedules; remote work options; and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

The Career Specialist is responsible for: 

• Conducting individual career coaching sessions with participants to evaluate their prior work experience, transferable skills, and career goals, and helping them to work through barriers to employment (addresses barriers for participants by coming up with creative solutions and connecting participants with local community service providers and resources). 

• Providing career and job readiness guidance to job seekers through Trauma-Informed customer service. These services may include but are not limited to:  

• Provide initial assessments to determine participants’ goals, aptitude, and ability to obtain employment. 

• Determine appropriateness and eligibility for participants’ program enrollment. 

• Guide, support, and monitor participants’ progress towards employment goals through recurring coaching meetings and follow-up communication. 

• Advise and guide job seekers with making occupational or career decisions along with identifying and addressing barriers to employment. 

• Assist job seekers in identifying transferable skills and how to best highlight their qualifications. 

• Make referrals to and ensure wrap-around services are being coordinated with internal and external partners to address participant needs. 

• Stay current with industry trends, labor market data, and career development best practices to continuously improve career coaching strategies. 

• Provide participants with support in creating and refining resumes, preparing for mock interviews, developing networking skills, and other career readiness activities. 

• Use technology such as labor market tool and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as tool to enhance service delivery. 

• Participate in designated special projects, committees, staff development, team building, and other efforts to promote a positive, effective and trauma informed organization.    

• Developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations to streamline enhancing services. 

• Maintain high-quality records of participant data and activities in multiple databases including Connecting Colorado to ensure files are in exemplary condition for internal and external audit purposes.  

• Performing case administration activities, including preparing and reviewing forms, status updates to ensure compliance with program regulations and fiscal limits and ensures all services and activities are in compliance with all associated policies, regulations, and processes. 

• Maintains knowledge of all applicable Federal, State, and agency rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines. 

• Successful candidates posses strong organization and time management skills. Demonstrates efficiently and can handle multiple client cases, maintain accurate records, and meet critical deadlines. 

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

Experience: 1 year of work-related experience. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or similar field. 

*Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable. 

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Specialized training in career development, counseling techniques, and coaching methodologies. 

• Industry knowledge and diverse personal career experiences, that will be instrumental in guiding clients through various challenges and opportunities. 

• A genuine passion for empowering individuals, fostering their self-discovery, and helping them navigate their educational and career paths. 

• A keen eye for detail and understanding of the importance of maintaining accurate records. 

This position is not life coach, mentor, therapist, or recruiter. The primary role of a career specialist is to provide guidance, support, and expertise in various aspects of career development. Career Specialists work with job seekers to identify strengths, interests, and values, and then assist them in aligning these factors with potential career opportunities. 

Additional Job Information: 

• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer. 

• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions. 

Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact [email protected]. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates. 

APPLICATION: 

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.  

All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities 

• A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application.  

• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday. 

• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. 

Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal.    

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs 

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or [email protected]