POSITION DESCRIPTION
Employment Specialist
Title: Employment Specialist
Reports To: Director of Workforce Development
Position Overview
Under the direction of the Director of Workforce Development, the Employment Specialist will assist clients in achieving employment goals by providing individual employment counseling. He/She would work closely with the Workforce Development staff and reports to the Workforce Development Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential:
- Provides professional advice to help each participant decide the best services for her.
- Provides job search guidance and placement
- Assures that participant understands the next step in receiving services from Workforce Development or other community resources
- Provides direct job matching
- Offers qualified job candidates the opportunity to interview for posted jobs
- May check with the participant or the employer to assess quality and success of the referral
- Searches files for qualified candidates for job postings
- Calls businesses to secure qualified job orders
- Provides local labor market information – what companies and industries are in the area, what skills and experience local area employers prefer and require, what is the usual means of entry into those companies/industries, advice on how best apply
- Is knowledgeable of current local labor market information, including:
- Employers and industries in the region and near a local office, including the largest employers and key industries
- Skills, education and experience area employers require and prefer, including skills and experience needed for growth occupations in key industries
- Usual means of entry into area companies, industries and occupations, including the area’s key employers and industries, and how to apply for work there
- Workforce Development’s targeted industries and high-skill, high-growth occupations and detailed information about entry into these industries and occupations
- Is knowledgeable of and able to use information about transferable skills from one industry or occupation to another to advise a customer
- Helps participants access basic self-help services through effective use of the resource room
- Assist with resume and cover letter development. Suggests resume formats and helps in determining how and where the participant sends his/her resume
- Is thoroughly familiar with electronic, print and other resources to help participants in making helpful career and job search suggestions
- Provides weekly reports on customer service and outcomes in the appropriate management information systems
- Carries out special projects as requested by his/her supervisor or manager on or off site
- Completes required participant case records/documentation
Nonessential:
Perform other duties as assigned.
Interaction:
This position requires the individual to work closely with the Workforce Development staff and while taking direction from the Department Director. He/she must possess great attention to detail and have strong organizational skills. This individual must understand, maintain, and uphold the mission and vision of the Chicago Urban League.
Knowledge and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years’ experience in workforce development.
- Experience in any/all of the following: Supervision, teaching, training and development.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish/maintain excellent community relations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organization and time management skills.
- The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Provide own transportation and adequate insurance.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record.
Reports to
Director, Workforce Development
