Jumpstart Career Specialist

Description

Under the direct supervision of the Program/Project Manager, the Career Specialist is responsible for assisting customers in identifying personal goals, determine career goals, developing leadership skills and assisting them with career paths and obtaining employment.? This role will be an Apprenticeship position directly employed with Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation.   

Requirements

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Career Specialist is responsible for assisting Detroit at Work (DAW) customers with navigating program services, needs-related resource connection and entry into employment in targeted sectors. DAW serves several populations including, Detroit residents, veterans, the historically unemployed or underemployed, individuals with a criminal background including those re-entering society from incarceration, incumbent workers, low skilled or wage workers, and the long term unemployed. DAW programs aim to demonstrate the value and efficacy of well-thought approaches to incorporating soft skills, vocational training, continuing education, job placement, job coaching, and career advancement in ways that make obtaining consistent gainful employment in areas that pay a living wage more accessible to these groups. DAW continuously looks for opportunities to innovate within the workforce development field and where appropriate develop and foster social enterprises that include employment opportunities for the populations we serve and whose financial success can be reinvested in the services and resources needed to build the DAW model.  

The Career Specialist will assist customers to prepare for job interviews, recommending effective job search techniques and working with customers to enhance their job skills. Should be knowledgeable of different career paths and committed to helping customers achieve their employment-related objectives. Ability to build rapport with customers and demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

The Career Specialist will work closely with the outreach, partner development and service delivery teams to identify and match customers with opportunities that result in milestone achievements and measurable outcomes for the long-term success of both the program and its customers. Essential functions include providing individual and targeted assistance with professional development and preparation for employment, identifying and connecting customers with education, skills training, work-based training, and placement opportunities, and documenting all communication and follow-up efforts with customers, partners, and providers. They will also be responsible for documenting all communication with and services provided to customers and making this information available for reporting purposes.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:?  

• Use case management software, computer software, and email to assist jobseekers.   
• Provide case management services including follow-up. Provide and maintain accurate records of program status, enrolling and terminating participants promptly.   
• Develop, update, and review Individual Service Strategies (ISS) based on assessments.  
• Determine and document participant’s eligibility for services.  
• Determine and evaluate exit from programs.  
• Understand performance metrics including placement, retention, and post program follow-up, and measurements of overall program success.  
• Understand and adjust services based on the job seeker population (e.g. job seekers with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, veterans, youth, criminal records, etc.)  
• Document all activities on OS-MIS and Launchpad.  
• Prepare and submit reports, forms, and records in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and quality standards.  
• Develop and maintain relationships with local agencies, schools, employers, and others to promote program activities and leverage resources.   
• Provide excellent customer service by prompt communication and problem resolution with participants and referral sources, employers, and other organizations.  
• Represent the organization in a professional and respectful manner.  
• Greet customers and answer phones, promptly and respectfully.  
• Identify customer goals, develop action, and support them in meeting them.  
• Provide classroom instruction, individualized assistance with resume development, and direct supervision of temporary employment services.  
• Assess customer needs and abilities including basic skills, work readiness, work history, education, motivation, occupational skills, and aid in barrier removal.  
• Assist with Resource Room activities and ensure that the customer knows the “next step” in their employment plan.  
• Conduct workshops in areas such as job-seeking techniques, employability skills, work maturity skills, and basic skills.   
• Understand occupational skills training programs and work to connect job seekers to available training opportunities  
• Maintain knowledge of MWA administered programs such as WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, Employment Services, Offender Success, Trade Adjustment Act (TAA), and Welfare Reform (Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (P.A.T.H.) and Food Assistance Employment & Training (FAE&T) including eligibility and allowable services.  
• Assist the organization with seeking alternative funding sources by participating in grant applications.   
• Maintain awareness of local human service network, labor market information, employment trends, and available employment opportunities and use the information to advise customers.  
• Attend meetings and training courses as required.  
• Other duties as assigned.  

REQUIREMENTS  

• Experience working in a mentoring or advising role.  
• Demonstration of effective communication skills including active listening required.  
• Comfortable with public speaking and able to communicate ideas, advice, feedback, and critiques professionally and concisely in individual and group settings.  
• Knowledgeable of different jobs and career paths.  
• Ability to recognize weaknesses and develop plans to aid in personal and career growth.  
• Proficient in MS-Office Suite; Experience with Salesforce, Oracle, or similar customer database management platform preferred.
• Individual must have strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent research and time management skills.
• Must be able to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment, be flexible, have excellent customer service orientation, seek growing responsibility, and show great capacity for work.  

EDUCATION:        

• Bachelor’s degree and related experience in Communications, Human Relations, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.  
• Three years of equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of education.  
   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

None  

LICENSES:   

N/A       

OTHER: 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, evenings, and some weekends  
• Must have reliable transportation 
• Requires Background check and drug screen  

TERM:  

• This appointment term is based on the availability of the grant funds. 

The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within our organization.