Employment Specialist 1 or 2

Lane County, OR; Oregon; On-site; USD 33,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County is seeking compassionate Employment Specialist 1 or 2 to provide employment and training services through Workforce Programs. The role, based in the ODHS offices, includes enrollment, job search support, resume and interview coaching, career advising, and job development, with occasional travel to other ODHS offices.

These AFSCME represented positions require a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience, and offer a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social services, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of responsible professional employment training experience.

Responsibilities

• Program Enrollment: enroll customers in federal, state, and local employment programs, ensuring they have access to valuable resources.
• Job Search Support: assist customers with their job search, providing guidance and resources to help them secure meaningful employment.
• Resume and Interview Skills: develop and enhance customers’ resume and interview skills to increase their chances of success in the job market.
• Career Advising: offer personalized career advice based on the local job market’s needs, helping customers make informed decisions about their future.
• Job Development: collaborate with local employers to create job opportunities for customers, fostering economic growth in our community.
• Social Services Navigation: provide assistance and referrals for housing and other social services, ensuring our customers’ well-being beyond employment.
• Travel: Travel within Lane County (occasionally outside of Lane County) to complete scheduled meetings.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services, business, public administration, or a related field

Two years of responsible professional employment training experience

Job description

Employment Specialist 1: $24.23- $32.36 Hourly

Employment Specialist 2: $26.73 - $35.76 Hourly

About the Position

Lane County is dedicated to empowering individuals in our community to reach their full potential, as well as assist in economic advancement by partnering with area businesses. The Workforce Services Team of the Human Services Division is seeking a compassionate and eager Employment Specialist 1 or 2 to join our team. In this role you will provide employment and training services to customers enrolled in our Workforce Programs. The position is currently assigned to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office on West 11th Avenue. Work location, program, and team assignment are subject to change based on the needs of Workforce Services. This position requires the ability to travel to and support other ODHS offices as needed for coverage, training, and operational support. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities include:

• Program Enrollment: enroll customers in federal, state, and local employment programs, ensuring they have access to valuable resources.
• Job Search Support: assist customers with their job search, providing guidance and resources to help them secure meaningful employment.
• Resume and Interview Skills: develop and enhance customers’ resume and interview skills to increase their chances of success in the job market.
• Career Advising: offer personalized career advice based on the local job market’s needs, helping customers make informed decisions about their future.
• Job Development: collaborate with local employers to create job opportunities for customers, fostering economic growth in our community.
• Social Services Navigation: provide assistance and referrals for housing and other social services, ensuring our customers’ well-being beyond employment.
• Travel: Travel within Lane County (occasionally outside of Lane County) to complete scheduled meetings.

Use your skills and passion for helping others to make a positive impact on individuals in our community, achieve their career goals.

While this position is posted at the Team's primary location, it will be based out of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) offices and require the ability to float to area ODHS offices as needed to provide coverage, training, and support.

About the Division

Workforce Services, a team within the Human Services Division, provides Employment & Training Programs for both job seekers and businesses throughout Lane County. Services are customized to and developed in partnership with each job seeker empowering them to successfully choose, get, and keep a career path that meets their needs and the future needs of employers. Programs include working closely with households receiving TANF through OR Department of Human Services and households experiencing houselessness.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Employment Specialist 1 Training & Experience:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social services, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of responsible professional employment training experience.

Employment Specialist 2 Training & Experience:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social services, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of responsible professional employment training experience.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Notes:

• Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.
• This position is subject to a full background check.

Special Requirements:

• Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Employment Specialist 1/2 Classification Details

Selection Process

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Trauma Informed Care Statement

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

Veteran Preference Information