Career Development Specialist

Position Title: Career Development Specialist

Allowing high school students the opportunity to explore career paths and providing assistance with the goal of a detailed career path upon high school graduation.

WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Non-Exempt Full Time Status

Immediate Supervisor: WIOA Workforce Development Director

Minimum Qualifications

KCEOC Community Action Partnership, Inc. is seeking a qualified individual for the full-time position of Career Development Specialist. Responsibilities include working with high school students in the Knox County area to help them explore career options, opportunities, and pathways. The Career Development Specialist will facilitate and host workshops to help in-school youth uncover their interests, strengths, and abilities. The goal of the Career Development Specialist is for all who graduate to have a detailed career plan after graduation. The Career Development Specialist will work with Business Service Consultants, employers, Chambers of Commerce, and other business-centered partners to bring real-world expertise and opportunities to high school students; this may include placing students with internships and apprenticeships to introduce them into careers where applicable. A Bachelor’s degree is required preferably in Social Work, Education, Business Administration or a related field. Skills needed include oral and written communication, data entry, technology and the ability to maintain a high volume case load, multi-task and serve as part of a close knit team. The position may require some evening and weekend work, including overnight travel. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Each employee is expected to strive for excellence in the performance of their tasks in an efficient manner, exercising good judgment with a dedication in fulfilling the mission of the agency and service to others. All employees are expected to assist with fund development. Employees are expected to keep informed of community issues, regulations, new research, and trends related to your field of work. Integration of agency programs and services places each employee in a position of cooperation: seeking advice from other employees; sharing of program information; and assisting in other work units when needed. All employees must be conscious of and develop habits in reducing waste, eliminating duplication of services, and improving productivity and cost effectiveness.

In the performance of the job, the following specific policies, procedures, and regulations should be adhered to: KCEOC Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, KCEOC Purchasing Procedures, KCEOC Travel Policies, Programmatic Regulations, Policies, and Procedures, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Programmatic Regulations, Policies, and Procedures

Duties

In addition, the duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following; these duties may be completed individually and/or in cooperation with other KCEOC staff and the WIOA Workforce Development Director:

• Deliver and facilitate assessments to students for use in detailed career plans.
• Proctor use of virtual reality equipment to help students gain knowledge on available careers.
• Help guide students through creating a detailed career plan, with action steps needed to obtain goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with multiple partners, including but not limited to, parents, employers, Business Service Consultants, WIOA staff, and school staff.
• Work with appropriate partners to plan and facilitate workshops focusing on workforce development skills.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, technology, and the ability to adapt to changing platforms.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Represent KCEOC to a variety of government and public agencies, businesses, and the general public.
• Practice safety in all aspects of the job, maintain confidentiality and security of both staff and customers, and adhere to program standards regarding communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens.
• Cooperatively work with staff, community service providers, funding sources, and other resources to promote agency programs, vision, and goals.
• Attend all staff meetings, training, and other necessary meetings as required by KCEOC and/or EKCEP
• Maintain necessary records and complete and submit required reporting documents in a timely and efficient manner.
• Attend community functions and meetings for the purpose of program promotion.
  
  

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills
• Experience collaborating with private industry and various programs/agencies related to Workforce Development and EKCEP’s mission
• Proactive problem-solving ability
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite, including email and Internet use
• Creativity in program development and implementation
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, guidelines, and procedures, including information systems
• Effective communication with diverse individuals in various contexts
• Understanding of targeted recruitment principles and procedures
• Independent decision-making capability
• Information management proficiency
• Adherence to confidentiality principles and ethical standards
• Expertise in career counseling and awareness of employment trends and opportunities
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relation skills
• Familiarity with budget preparation and fiscal management
  
  

Capacity to handle high volume case loads according to EKCEP policies

A Bachelor’s degree is required preferably in Social Work, Education, Business Administration or a related field. Skills needed include oral and written communication, data entry, technology and the ability to maintain a high volume case load, multi-task and serve as part of a close knit team. The position may require some evening and weekend work, including overnight travel. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.