Population Focus Specialist, Foster Youth

Description

The Center of Excellence Targeted Population Focus Specialist is responsible for designing and executing workforce initiatives aimed at assisting specific populations facing employment barriers. This position emphasizes developing supportive services, training programs, and partnerships that address these groups' unique challenges. Through targeted outreach, individualized support, and collaborative partnerships, the Specialist ensures that WIOA services are accessible and impactful, leading to sustainable career outcomes for individuals in targeted populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development and Implementation:
• Design and implement workforce development programs that address the needs of targeted populations, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, ex-offenders, and other underserved groups.
• Develop tailored career pathways, supportive services, and training options that reduce employment barriers and enhance job readiness for participants.
• Align program goals and services with WIOA objectives, local workforce demands, and compliance standards.
• Outreach and Community Engagement:
• Conduct outreach to identify and engage members of targeted populations, ensuring that individuals are aware of and can access available services.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, social service agencies, advocacy groups, and other entities serving targeted populations.
• Represent the Center of Excellence at community events, workshops, and forums to promote workforce services for specific populations.
• Supportive Services Coordination:
• Identify and coordinate supportive services, including transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and healthcare resources, that help participants overcome barriers to employment.
• Collaborate with case managers and support staff to connect participants with appropriate services, ensuring wrap-around support that addresses holistic needs.
• Track and manage referrals to supportive services, monitor participant progress, and adjust services as needed.
• Employer Engagement and Partnership Development:
• Build relationships with employers committed to inclusive hiring practices and provide supportive environments for targeted populations.
• Partner with employers to develop internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities that are accessible and accommodating.
• Work closely with employers to understand specific skills needed for positions, advocating for training and placement of program participants.
• Participant Support and Career Guidance:
• Provide individualized career counseling, job coaching, and support to participants, helping them develop skills and gain confidence in navigating the job market.
• Assist participants in creating resumes, preparing for interviews, and applying for jobs, offering tailored support to meet each individual’s needs.
• Monitor participant progress and job retention, adjusting career plans and providing continued guidance as necessary.
• Data Management, Reporting, and Compliance:
• Track participant data, outcomes, and other key performance indicators related to the employment of targeted populations.
• Ensure program compliance with WIOA regulations, maintaining accurate records and documentation to support program performance.
• Analyze program data to assess effectiveness, identify trends, and improve service delivery for targeted populations.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Business, Public Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in workforce development, economic development, industry engagement, or related fields.
• Knowledge of WIOA guidelines, local labor market trends, and sector-specific workforce requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and labor market information.
• Experience building partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work independently.
• Complete CWDP course and exam within 3 months of employment and secure CWDP certification within 12 months of employment.
• Work flexible hours, including early morning, evenings, and weekends is required.
• Travel to various locations, such as businesses, worksites, off-site meetings, and other related events.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to inspect work visually. Manual dexterity is required to operate computers and other office equipment.

The physical demands described above represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made.