Special Projects Talent Development Specialist (800017)

The WIOA Special Projects Talent Development Specialist is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized employment plans for job seekers, managing special projects and assignments, and ensuring compliance with WIOA guidelines. This role will focus on increasing engagement, enhancing services, and improving program performance, while collaborating with community partners to support job seekers in overcoming employment barriers. The Specialist will also manage supportive services, maintain compliance records, and provide career counseling.

1. Intake & Assessment:

• Conduct detailed intake interviews with job seekers to gather personal, employment, and educational information.
• Review assessments, such as Personal Profile & Employment Readiness (PP&ER) Traitify and other relevant tools, to evaluate skills, qualifications, and potential employment barriers.
• Administer assessments like skills evaluations and interest inventories to develop tailored employment plans.

2. Develop Individual Employment Plans (IEP):

• Collaborate with job seekers to create individualized IEPs that outline employment goals, educational or training needs, and actionable steps.
• Ensure the IEP addresses any identified barriers and is updated regularly to reflect job seeker progress or changing circumstances.
• Work with job seekers to continuously refine IEPs to align with labor market trends and emerging opportunities.

3. Addressing Barriers to Employment:

• Identify barriers to employment such as lack of skills, transportation, childcare, mental health, substance abuse, or learning disabilities.
• Refer job seekers to supportive services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse programs, and vocational rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with community partners to ensure job seekers receive the necessary services to overcome barriers and achieve employment goals.
• Follow up on referrals to track job seeker progress and document outcomes.

4. Special Projects & Supportive Services:

• Participate in the development and execution of WIOA special projects aimed at increasing engagement, enhancing services, or improving program performance.
• Provide input and feedback on new initiatives to support job seekers in overcoming complex employment barriers.
• Manage special projects and assignments related to Industry Sector Partnerships, ensuring they align with overall workforce development objectives.
• Collect and review support documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy of special project applications.
• Maintain a tracking system to monitor the distribution of supportive services such as transportation assistance, childcare, tools, uniforms, and other employment-related items.

5. Case Management & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and timely case records, including IEPs, referrals, and case notes, in the ARIES system.
• Ensure compliance with WIOA documentation standards and use the ARIES system to set prompts for follow-up actions.
• Monitor job seeker progress, employment outcomes, and participation in supportive services.

6. Collaboration & Partnerships:

• Build relationships with community organizations, employers, and training providers to create opportunities for job seekers.
• Engage collaborative partners to provide assessments, resources, and services needed for job seekers to overcome employment barriers.
• Participate in outreach activities to inform job seekers and the community about WIOA programs and available services.

7. Job Search Assistance & Career Counseling:

• Assist job seekers with resume development, interview preparation, and job matching.
• Provide career counseling on labor market trends and available training programs, guiding job seekers in selecting appropriate career paths.
• Help job seekers identify employment opportunities that align with their skills and IEPs.

8. Performance & Reporting:

• Monitor the effectiveness of IEPs and services provided, ensuring job seekers remain on track to meet employment goals.
• Prepare and submit reports on participant outcomes, including employment placement, retention, and resolution of employment barriers.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure on-track spending of supportive services funds and contribute to special project reporting.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in workforce development, WIOA programs, or career counseling.
• Experience managing special projects or Industry Sector Partnerships preferred.

Skills:

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and case management systems, preferably ARIES.
• Strong understanding of WIOA guidelines, policies, and supportive services.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying needs.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid role with 3 days of remote work and 2 days in the office.
• Occasional travel to community partners or events may be required.

This position is vital to ensuring that WIOA special projects and initiatives are executed effectively, helping job seekers overcome employment barriers and achieve long-term success.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Equus Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce development services in North America. With a dedicated and passionate team, Equus puts the industry's best practices to work by focusing on the development, design, and delivery of demand-driven workforce solutions.

When you join Equus, you can expect extensive learning opportunities and networking programs. But most of all you can expect to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

At Equus we are strengthened by diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. Equus Workforce Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or reprisal or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law.