Workforce Service Specialist

Full Job Description

If you like working with people and helping them be successful, this is the job for you. The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is looking for a skilled and motivated individuals to fill the Refugee Employment Counselor position.

Workforce Specialist II - may be filled as Workforce Services Specialist II if an applicant currently in this position is selected. Salary Range $20.89 - $36.94

Principal Duties
Refugee Employment Counselors deliver a broad range of services to assist case managed refugee customers, job seekers and their families to resolve barriers and increase skills in order to obtain and maintain employment. Services are focused on individual and family needs and may be provided one-on-one or in group settings. These services typically include:

• Assessing of refugee customer and family situations to identify barriers to self-sufficiency, employment, training and income goals.
• Utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to create a supportive environment.
• Developing employment plans with activities leading to achieving goals and/or work readiness, as well as monitoring and evaluating employment plans activities and progress.
• Utilizing labor market information, local resources, referral to community partners and employers to assist customers in meeting their goals.
• Assessing needs and educating customers about DWS programs, policies and services.
• Providing assistance in the application for temporary assistance programs (Food Stamps, Financial, Medicaid, Child Care, and Unemployment Insurance).
• Visiting homes when needed to establish relationship, increase rapport, problem solve, engage or re-engage the customer.
• Assisting customers with resume creation, networking, mock interviewing and job searching with technology.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who has:

• Four years of work experience relating to case management, career counseling or social services.
• The ability to provide family focused career counseling and proactively engage and motivate customers.
• Knowledge of employment related services, job search procedures and employer expectations.
• Understanding of refugee related resources, programs and services.
• Motivational interviewing skills to collect information and establish a supportive relationship.
• Knowledge of agency programs, community resources and services, local labor market and job search techniques.
• Terrific presenting skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to assist people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact and professionalism, without prejudice or bias.
• The ability to problem solve and identify creative solutions to lead to successful outcomes.

Preference
Preference may be given to applicants fluent in a 2nd language.

Why You Should Join Our Team
Besides working for a fantastic agency that is dedicated to helping the citizens of Utah, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance.

The Agency
We strengthen Utah’s communities by connecting the workforce to new opportunities and providing services to individuals and families in need. Today, more than 2,200 Workforce Services employees assist individuals in preparing for and finding jobs, meeting workforce needs of Utah businesses, administering temporary assistance, and providing economic data and analysis. Through a collaborative approach, the department has served millions of Utahns and has become a leader on several statewide initiatives. These include intergenerational poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, supporting refugees, helping rural communities, serving veterans and individuals with disabilities, and getting Utahns trained and back to work. To learn more about Workforce Services, click here.

DHRM rules regarding promotions and transfers apply to current state of Utah employees.

Additional Information

Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc.

Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

Some positions require a great deal of standing.Depending on area of assignment incumbent may be required to obtain and maintain valid Utah driver's license and be willing to travel throughout the state.

Employee may be required to travel if providing training and/or presentations throughout the state.