EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

$24.06 - $27.07 _____________________________________________________________ Overview of Mesa County Department of Human Services: Mesa County Department of Human Services is a forward-thinking agency that has over 300 employees serving the needs of nearly 40,000 residents. From the Colorado National Monument to the thriving agricultural lands and city centers, Mesa County contains a diverse, natural landscape that provides many outdoor activities and adventures. As individuals and an organization, we value and respect humanity, honesty, balance, inclusion and teamwork. We provide a level of flexibility for staff to be able to accommodate their lives outside of the office environment. We value family and the relationships that make our lives rewarding. Our Mission: The Mission of the Mesa County Department of Human Services is to help individuals and families achieve safety, stabilization and opportunity for meaningful employment. Our Values: Mesa County Department of Human Services values represent our behavioral anchors for how we conduct ourselves. Simply stated, we value Humanity, Balance, Honesty, Inclusion and Teamwork Job Summary: The Employment Specialist helps job seekers and employers connect with meaningful employment opportunities by applying skills in career coaching, assessment, resource navigation, communication and problem solving. This position works directly with individuals to understand their skills, interests, employment goals and barriers; identifies appropriate employment opportunities and connects customers with resources that support successful employment. Essential Duties : (The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.) J ob Seeker Services & Career Coaching ● Engages job seekers in conversations that identify their skills, experience, interests, goals, and employment needs. ● Assesses job readiness and identifies strengths, skill gaps, and barriers that may affect employment ● Helps individuals identify realistic career pathways and employment opportunities based on their skills and goals ● Provides individualized coaching, active job search assistance, resume development, interview preparation, and career navigation. ● Identifies appropriate resources, services, and referrals and helps customers navigate those resources ● Supports job seekers in developing and completing employment plans and achieving identified goals. ● Identify barriers to employment; work with internal and external partners to alleviate such barriers. ● Provide customer service by actively listening to and being inquisitive about the whole person and engaging in service delivery with a collaborative, human-centered approach. ● Coordinate with other program case managers to support job seekers in completion of employment plans. W orkshop Facilitation & Resource Room Support ● Facilitate workshops and group activities related to job searching, resumes, interviewing, and work readiness. ● Presents information to individuals and groups in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. ● Assists job seekers in using the Resource Room computers, online employment resources, unemployment systems, job applications, and training enrollment systems. ● Adapts instruction and communication approaches to meet different levels of knowledge, experience and comfort with technology. ● Coordinates and facilitates assessments as assigned. Employer Engagement and Workforce Development ● Translates employer needs into clear job opportunity information and appropriate candidate referrals ● Matches job seekers to employment opportunities by considering the skills, qualifications, interests, and needs of both the job seeker and employer. ● Provides employers with information and resources that support effective recruitment and hiring. ● Coordinates and supports job fairs, hiring events, seminars, roundtables, and other workforce development activities. ● Develops and presents labor market information for employers, community partners, and other stakeholders. ● Assists with layoffs and rapid response activities as needed. O utreach & Program Communications ● Communicates program information through online, in-person, and community based outreach. ● Represents the Workforce Center professionally in community settings and workforce development activities. ● Works collaboratively with team members and partners to respond to community workforce needs. Y outh Employment Services (Specialized Function) : ● Presents workforce and employability information to youth in schools, the Workforce Center, and community settings. ● Builds partnerships with schools, colleges, and community organizations to expand employment and workforce development opportunities for youth. ● Connects youth with appropriate employment, training, and workforce development resources. ● Participates in local and state initiatives designed to improve youth employment outcomes. H2-A Housing Inspections (Specialized Function) : ● Travels to housing sites throughout Mesa County and surrounding areas, including remote locations. ● Applies knowledge of applicable labor housing requirements to inspect H-2A visa applicant housing ● Plans and manages the inspection territory, including scheduling, reporting and follow-up activities. ● Explains applicable requirements to stakeholders in a clear and professional manner. ● Communicates with the state coordinator regarding program updates, inspections and documentation requirements. ● Maintains accuracy and timely inspection records and reports. Performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and intent of the position. Qualifications: Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant post-secondary education, coursework, or certifications may be used toward demonstrating the required core competencies. Core Competencies We value experience in workforce development, career counseling, human resources or any field that requires coaching, collaboration and human-centered service delivery. We are seeking someone who can empower individuals to achieve employment and training goals through effective coaching, resource navigation, and relationship building. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to balance participant needs, program requirements, and community partnerships while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service. Individuals must demonstrate the following competencies: ● Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to explain and/or present complex program requirements, employment resources, and career pathways in a clear and accessible manner to individuals or groups. ● Ability to build trusting relationships and effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, supporting them in overcoming barriers and achieving their goals ● Strong coaching, active listening, and motivational skills to guide participants through career planning, training, and employment-related decisions ● Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate documentation and data entry in compliance with program requirements including Federal, State, and county regulations, policies, and procedures. ● Adaptability and the ability to navigate changing systems, policies, funding requirements, and workforce development priorities while maintaining high-quality service delivery Experience Individuals typically develop these competencies through approximately two (2) years of experience or education in fields such as: ● Social work or human services ● Career Counseling or Workforce Development ● Human Resources ● Case management, eligibility, or com