Career Development Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: TANF
SUPERVISOR: Site Manager
PAY GRADE: NE6 $25.14 to $35..24

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Career Education Director or designee, the Career Development Specialist

will provide support and services to eligible participants and will develop, evaluate and/or implement career,
educational, social, and personal development activities that lead to long-term personal enrichment goals and

self-sufficiency of OVCDC participants. The employee will work closely with the Site Managers and with Family

Advocates across multiple regions planning, processing, and monitoring cases and with ongoing reporting.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the duties performed by this position and is not all-
inclusive. Each classification may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties which
may be assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works in partnership with families to develop a solid Family Self Sufficiency Plan and co-create a strategy

• Provides individualized guidance to participants utilizing interests, assessments, aptitude data, and

• Collaborates with the Family Advocates to meet regularly with participants to assess participant progress and

• Utilizes coaching tools and concepts such as motivational interviewing and a growth mindset approach to

• Builds rapport and collaborates with community organizations, educational institutions, tribal entities, local

• Researches economic conditions and trends and integrates labor market information to optimize planning.

• Works closely with TANF Site Managers and Family Advocates to ensure participants are eligible and are

• Schedules and coordinates events, including and not limited to, job fairs, higher education workshops, soft

• Assists participants in improving self-awareness by identifying, assessing, and understanding their

• Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma and incorporates trauma-informed practices into the work.

• Provides program information and requirements and explains all appropriate forms and documents.

• Develops job resources for participants, including and not limited to employer contact lists, internet

• Assists and support participants in understanding the benefits gained from community service, gainful

• Co-develops growth plans with participants and support participants’ career and educational decisions,

• Recognizes when counseling is needed beyond the scope of career counseling and makes appropriate

• Provides monthly reports to the Career Education Director and collaborates with the Career Education

• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Communication, Counseling, or other related field and/or equivalent

• Training and experience conducting career assessments is preferred.

• Employee is expected to travel regularly within service areas and may be expected to travel to headquarters

• Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, motivating, or otherwise

• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.

• Experience working with individuals that are struggling with life challenges.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under company insurance.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, procedures, and automated systems.

• General knowledge of the vision and mission of Owens Valley Career Development Centers.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and shows the ability to work with people from diverse

• Knowledge of or experience with trauma-informed approaches.

• Knowledge of general economic conditions and trends, including California (and local) industrial, labor,

• Ability to plan, organize and implement regional events.

• Ability to develop and maintain a relationship of trust, confidence, and good rapport with staff,

• Ability to practice a growth mindset in daily activities.

• Knowledge of American Indian history and knowledge of local culture and traditions.

• Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation including driving record, criminal background,

• Works independently and with a team to accomplish OVCDC’s vision and goals.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other virtual presentation platforms.

• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle sensitive situations.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands and fingers to

handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands
and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work

may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Travel is required.

Native American Indian Preference:

Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions at OVCDC pursuant to the Indian Self-

Determination and Education Assistance Act (24 USC 450, et. seq.), 25 CFR 271.44, applicable Tribal

Employment Rights Ordinances, and other relevant laws.

Benefits:
OVCDC offers an affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits package. Eligibility for

benefits is dependent on the position. The following is a listing of the benefits package:

• Medical plan

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account option

• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave

• Observation of federal and state holidays

• 401(k) with employer match

• Life insurance

• Wellness program

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Professional Development and other training opportunities