Employment Specialist, WIOA
18 days ago
Seattle
Job DescriptionJob Summary The WIOA Employment Specialist supports youth and young adults ages 14–24 in South King County in securing employment, work experience, and career pathway opportunities. This role focuses on connecting participants to meaningful employment, developing relationships with employers, and preparing youth for long-term workforce success. The Employment Specialist works closely with case managers and program staff to ensure participants move successfully from enrollment into employment, training, and career advancement opportunities while maintaining compliance with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements. Essential Responsibilities The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Employment Development & Placement • Identify and develop employment opportunities for WIOA participants with local employers, businesses, and community partners, • Support participants in obtaining unsubsidized employment, internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities, • Conduct employer outreach and maintain relationships with businesses willing to hire opportunity youth, • Coordinate hiring events, job fairs, and employer presentations, • Assist participants with job search strategies and placement into appropriate positions aligned with their career interests Work Experience & Career Connected Learning • Coordinate and monitor paid work experience placements (WEX), internships, and job shadow opportunities, • Ensure worksite agreements, employer documentation, and required WIOA compliance forms are completed, • Track participant hours, evaluations, and employment outcomes, • Support youth in developing workplace skills including professionalism, communication, and workplace expectations, • Facilitate career exposure activities such as employer panels, site visits, and career exploration workshops Job Readiness & Employment Preparation • Deliver job readiness training including resume writing, interviewing skills, job applications, and workplace etiquette, • Assist youth in developing employment portfolios including resumes, cover letters, and professional references, • Provide coaching to help participants maintain employment and advance in their career pathway, • Work collaboratively with case managers to align employment placements with each participant’s Individual Service Strategy (ISS) Employer & Workforce System Engagement • Collaborate with WorkSource Business Services Teams (BST) to identify youth-friendly employment opportunities, • Participate in workforce development partnerships and employer networking events, • Maintain communication with employers regarding participant performance and job retention, • Support integration with WorkSource and other workforce system partners Documentation & Program Compliance • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the required case management system (ETO or WIT/CMS), • Track employment outcomes including placements, wages, retention, and job advancement, • Ensure all employment-related activities align with WIOA youth program elements and performance indicators, • Maintain documentation necessary for monitoring reviews, audits, and compliance reporting, • Participate in meetings, as assigned by supervisor, • Maintain confidentiality as per agency guidelines, • Other duties as assigned Requirements Requirements • Travel throughout the community and to visit participants in person is required for this position. Driver’s license, personal vehicle and car insurance or reliable transportation. Preferred Experience or Skills • Case management experience and/or connection and understanding of Employment resources and systems., • Ability to advocate and communicate effectively and problem solve in high stress situations., • Lived experience with the criminal legal system - policing, jail, state supervision. We believe in a peer-led model and value the lived experience of those most impacted by the system., • Commit to understand deeply and seek to dismantle the systems of oppression impacting communities of color, • Value the intrinsic worth of young people and their unlimited potential, • Maintain a restorative justice orientation in relationship to staff, partners and participants, • Be a self-aware (know your strengths and weaknesses), engaged and adaptable team player, • Take ownership of projects, be self-motivated, and practice independent problem solving, • Be flexible about changing priorities and manage competing deadlines BenefitsFlexible schedule 401k Aetna Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Short Term and Long Term Disability Voluntary Insurance 100k employer paid life insurance Employee Assistance Program Employee Discount Program Fin Fit- Financial literacy services Metlife Legal Plans Generous PTO