Workforce Development Specialist

A Workforce Development Specialist performs a variety of career counseling and referral work for individuals seeking jobs and services through the Virgin Islands Department of Labor and/or other area resources.  He/she has primary responsibility in either Resource Services or Career Development Services under the Division of Employment and Training.   Resource Services provide immediate service to job seekers through in-person assessments, job placement and training activities and resource room utilization.  Career development provides case management services and referral activities for clients.

Under general supervision of assigned Workforce Development Director or the Territorial Project Coordinator this employee meets with and maintains relationships between the departments, partner agencies and private employers throughout the territory and mainland in the placement of participants in various programs and services.           

DUTIES (Not All Inclusive):

Interviews job seekers to assess, enroll, counsel, and refer clients to appropriate services available through the Virgin Islands Department of Labor and other area resources.

 Prepares and administers Individual Training Plans based on clients’ needs and their account. Develops and facilitates orientations and workshops for job seekers.

 Trains job seekers on job search tools/strategies and resource rooms.

 Administers, scores, and interprets appropriate vocational tests including providing guidance and counseling for participants’ needs and possible barriers to employment.

 Refers participants to job openings and other employment opportunities involving the assessment of participants’ needs and possible barriers to employment.

 Provides career counseling to clients and prepares individual service strategies to set goals for completing program objectives.

 Maintains program participant folders and prepares and completes forms and reports as required.

 Meets with and maintains relationships between the department, partner agencies, private employers throughout the territory and maintained in the placement of participants in various programs and services.

 Utilizes a variety of computer software applications as necessary to complete job responsibilities.

 Travels to other agencies and off-site locations as assigned to meet with clients as well as coordinates client and program issues as needed.

 Contacts educational institutions to resolve tuition or class issues as required.  Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, majoring in psychology, social work, guidance and counseling, business, public administration, and human resources, or a closely related field.

OR

A high school diploma and four (4) years of experience engaged in employment search and/or career counseling in a public or private organization. 

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of principles and procedures involved in interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of barriers individuals face in the employment and training arena.

Knowledge of the physical, economic and social characteristics of the territory.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Must be organized and possess strong multi-tasking abilities.

Ability to understand employment and training needs of individuals seeking services as well as various methods related to job seeking and retention.

Ability to remain flexible in accepting job assignments, to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, follow oral and written instruction, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and citizens and to perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the territories stated mission and philosophy.

Ability to conduct appropriate job development and placement on participants’ behalf.

Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, federal and local government agencies, the general public.  

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee exercises general supervision and is expected to use his/her knowledge, analytical ability, and independent judgement to solve recurring problems.  Unusual or difficult problems are referred to the immediate supervisor.   Supervision is received through discussions, conferences and analysis of accomplished goals.

 FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES

Guidelines include pertinent rules and regulations, applicable laws and policies.   Assignments are carried out in accordance with standard procedures.  However, independent judgement in analyzing, interpreting and applying guidelines is required.

 FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY

This is highly specialized work where the individual responsible is involved in interpreting and applying policies, procedures and regulatory requirements for the program.  Workforce Development Specialist provides individual services to job seekers through in-person assessments, job placement and training activities and resource room utilization.  He/she also provides case management services and referral activities for clients.

 FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the work is to facilitate management by attending to a variety of administrative detail necessary to ensure a smooth workflow.  These administrative functions have significant impact on achieving the goals and objectives of the Division/Department.

 FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS

Personal contacts involve co-workers, clients, owners and managers of private business, etc.  Contacts can be face-to-face, via telephone and/or in writing.

 FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The contacts are for exchange of information with co-workers engaging and fostering partnerships with clients, negotiating and setting matters with public and private sector customers, justifying needs, defending actions taken and making recommendations.

 FACTOR 8-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work conducted in-house is mostly sedentary.  However, some physical exertion is necessary, where driving is required. 

FACTOR 9-WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office setting but involves occasional travel outside the office for meeting purposes as well as occasional travel between both districts and out of the territory.