Employment Specialist

Commerce Lexington; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commerce Lexington is seeking an Employment Specialist to support the Regional KY Works Program in the Lexington area. The role focuses on helping TANF/KTAP/SNAP recipients overcome barriers to employment, coordinate with employers, and promote job readiness and placement services.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field and have experience with career counseling, case management, and collaboration with state agencies to advance participants toward

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.
• Experience with human service programs and welfare-to-work.
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to coordinate with state agencies.
• Experience in career counseling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assess clients to identify barriers to employment.
• Develop and place clients into Community Service and Work Experience Programs.
• Conduct on-site visits to employers.
• Teach JRA (Job Readiness) classes or assist with teaching them.
• Maintain client files and program reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Career counseling

Job development

Case management

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Tools

OTIS/KYNECT

Job description

Job Description

Class title: Employment Specialist

Division: Regional KY Works Program

Supervisor: Assistant Director/Planner

Supervises: None

Exempt Status: Exempt

Class Characteristics: Works with the Regional Kentucky Works Program of the Big Sandy Area Development District assisting TANF/KTAP/SNAP E&T recipients with job development, placement, retention, and advancement. Working with KTAP/TANF recipients, area employers, Department for Community Based Services personnel, and "TEAM" members from other agencies and community organizations. The employment Specialist identifies and addresses those issues that are barriers to the recipient becoming employed and maintaining employment. The Employment Specialist provides retention support to employed participants for a period of nine months.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct client assessments in order to identify barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment; assists clients in overcoming these barriers (i.e. transportation, childcare, housing, nutritional needs, additional training, and/or education).
• 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 transportation, 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.
• Works 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.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

A bachelor's degree in human services or a related field. Experience with human service programs, Kentucky's Transitional Assistance program, state contracts, business/industry, public relations, and economic development. Experience in career counseling and/or group instruction would be an asset.

Work Experience

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.
• Detail 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.
• Must be a self‑starter with the ability to initiate and manage programs; assess the effectiveness of outcomes and refine methods of operation.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with public officials, employees and the public with tact, diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use own judgment.