This is the journey level of the series. Independently manages an assigned caseload, and delivers direct basic, intensive, and training services to job seekers and/or employers.

Under general supervision, independently provides the entire range of complex employment and job training services which includes the authority to approve training funds and authorize supportive services.

Positions at this level independently perform complex tasks such as determining eligibility for programs, administering and/or interpreting skill, interest, and aptitude assessments, identifying and analyzing employment barriers with job seekers, developing individual written employment plans designated to resolve barriers to employment, and guiding, monitoring and motivating clients to follow through with approved plans. Provides coaching and mentoring to instruct and guide lower level WorkSource specialists.

Conducts interviews to determine client's eligibility for program and/or type of services; completes designated processes for clients who have been determined to be eligible and referred by other sources;  

Conducts individual assessment and evaluation of a client's overall employment and training needs through in-depth counseling sessions; identifies employment barriers;  

Develops individualized written employability plans with clients, independently or in coordination with other service providers, that provides for needs such as occupational/aptitude testing, training, supportive services, health, and medical care;  

Motivates clients to achieve educational and/or employment goals; updates and adjusts employability plans as necessary; negotiates and writes training contracts;  

Provides follow-up coaching and assistance to clients who have been placed into a training activity or unsubsidized employment;  

Analyzes data to make program decisions and recommendations; 

Establishes and maintains working relationships with educational and training institutions, employers, other public agencies, and community-based organizations; serves as a member of local teams;

Provides targeted workshops to special populations;

Coaches and mentors workers, assists supervisor with work assignments, scheduling and monitoring workload of lower level staff, provides technical assistance and staff training to lower level staff, coordinates programs at the local level, and resolves WorkSource system and customer complex issues; 

Authorizes, evaluates and monitors supportive service vouchers and training fund expenditures; monitors training budgets;  

Negotiates and develops employment and/or training plans with customers; administers and interprets skill, interest, and aptitude assessments; participates in case staffing;  

Conducts follow-up contacts with customers; provides input and implement strategies for corrective action plans;  

Ensures nondiscrimination and equity in the delivery of services;  

May serve as a program subject matter expert, providing technical assistance and staff training to WorkSource staff; 

Leads customer-centric quality improvement initiatives in local area, region or statewide;  

Builds relationships to develop understanding of customer’s needs and blend resources and services to meet them;    

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: WorkSource programs and services; interviewing techniques and principles; agency policies and procedures; labor market trends, to include social and economic conditions; computer applications; legal and administrative basis for Departmental programs and services interest and skill test theory; and factors that commonly influence or motivate human behavior.  

Ability to: communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in both group and individual settings; conduct effective meetings and interviews; work in a team based environment; within a team, implement quality process initiatives by utilizing tools to ensure customer satisfaction; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with customers, peers, management, partners, community based organizations, private employers, and other state and public agencies; perform skilled computer and internet operations; work with diverse populations; comprehend and interpret program provisions, regulations, and administrative policies and procedures; administer skill and interest tests; facilitate workshops; coach and mentor staff; effectively interpret test results; coordinate or direct the work of others; effectively negotiate; exercise judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; work in a fast paced environment demonstrating flexibility and ability to adapt to change; and recruit and engage customers into a system that provides a multitude of services to meet their needs.  

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

One year of experience as a WorkSource Specialist 3, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency. 

OR 

A Bachelor's degree in social science, business administration or related field and three years of professional level experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work.  

OR 

A combination of education and/or relevant experience. 

A Master's degree will substitute for one year of the required professional experience.