DEPARTMENT: Youth Programs

POSITION TITLE: WIOA Specialist

LOCATION: 155 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA

STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Workforce Development Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) program serves low income youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with barriers to achieving success in education and employment. The program provides an opportunity for youth and young adults to work individually with a workforce development professional in active case management services that focuses on participant’s educational and occupational goals. The WIOA Specialist supports participants in engaging in programming that provides opportunities to gain employment readiness skills, engage in career pathways training, enter and succeed in

post-secondary education, obtain a HiSET, engage in paid internships, and address barriers that prevent achievement of educational and occupational goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide case management to approximately 20 enrolled WIOA eligible youth. The WIOA Specialist will develop warm, respectful, and caring relationships with participants and serve as a role model. The WIOA Specialist will support participants in setting goals and will provide ongoing support and links to resources to help participants reach their goals. The WIOA Specialist will provide one year of follow-up services to 10 to 15 participants who have graduated from the program.
• Work with participants to complete assessments, establish, and follow service plans for eligible participants.
• Reach out to area coalitions, community businesses, schools, youth serving organizations, and other non-profit organizations, as needed, in order to recruit participants and develop internships at new sites for participants.
• Serve as a liaison between internship site supervisors and participant interns. Coordinate workplace learning assessment and review with participants.
• Assist youth with accessing skills development and other workforce development resources.
• Assist participation, though active enrollment and the follow-up period, to enroll in and complete appropriate education and occupational training programs, and obtain and maintain employment.
• Attend community workforce development meetings when appropriate.
• Complete all required paperwork, data collection and case records as required.
• Complete participant file updates at least weekly.
• Complete weekly work schedule, monthly reports, and other required documents within established timelines.
• Communicate regularly and work as a team with supervisor and other staff to achieve continuous quality improvement.
• Must be able to travel to sites throughout service area.
• Participate in the planning, development and coordination of department activities with other Youth Programs staff.
• Follow guidelines, procedures, and policies of the program contract, of Youth Programs, and of Community Action.
• Assist in the development of grant proposals as appropriate.
• Attend all required staff and team meetings, supervision, training and contractual meetings.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the supervisor, director or designee.

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or HiSET.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Minimum one-year experience (additional preferred) doing case management, employment readiness or counseling.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with youth and young adults to overcome barriers and set and achieve goals.
• Experience working with low-income youth and young from high-risk environments and familiarity with the issues confronting this population.
• Experience working in and/or good knowledge of area businesses, organizations, and community in county of primary worksite/focus area.
• Bi-lingual/Bicultural (Spanish/English) preferred.
• CPR/First Aid (or must be obtained within three months of hire)

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Proficient with MS Office software, internet, and other computer use including database entry and e-mail.
• Excellent networking and outreach skills.
• Excellent verbal (in-person and phone) and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent customer service
• Understanding of data capture and tracking methods.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse co-workers, community businesses, and organizations.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity and the needs of individuals with low incomes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires sitting for long periods.
• Working in office environment.
• Some bending and stretching required.
• Extensive use of telephone required.
• Manual dexterity required for use of calculator and computer keyboard.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment includes indoor office environments or comparable spaces, and community spaces, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather when traveling to outreach or meeting sites. The noise level varies by site.

AA/EOE/ADA

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Criminal Offender Record check (C.O.R.I.) prior to hire and every three years. Evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.