WIOA Employment Specialist
GOODWILL CENTRAL COAST, Watsonville, CA, United States
Job Summary
Support in-depth assessments, development of individualized employment and training plans, job readiness preparation, and job placement assistance to determine eligibility and ensure effective coordination of workforce development services under the day‑to‑day supervision of the WIOA Program Manager. This role involves engaging with participants to identify career goals, connect them to training opportunities, and provide ongoing support throughout their employment/training journey. Services may be delivered in person, online, or remotely through various technology platforms, including telephone, video conferencing (Zoom), text, and email.
Essential Duties
Perform case management, which includes eligibility determination and intake, development and implementation of individualized employment plans, case documentation, and follow‑up.
Manage each participant’s case by documenting evaluations, assessments, progress notes, and referrals submitted to community agencies; maintain detailed case files to ensure compliance with WIOA program regulations and performance metrics.
Conduct assessments covering work history, employment skills and ability, educational background, need for supportive services, intensive and specialized employment needs, desired skills, available resources, and referrals to services for any other barriers to employment.
Provide career counseling and employment coaching, including resume writing, interview preparation, and professional skill‑building to enhance employability.
Facilitate job‑readiness workshops on financial literacy, digital skills, career planning, and workplace professionalism.
Connect participants to vocational training, certification programs, apprenticeships, and other educational opportunities.
Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities such as contacting employers, understanding local market requirements, reporting placements and follow‑up activities, and performing on‑the‑job interventions.
Collaborate with local employers, training providers, and workforce partners to identify job opportunities and career pathways.
Maintain close contact with referring agents and facilitate communication regarding participant progress.
Work in cooperation with training providers and other organizations used to facilitate work experience or employment.
Maintain accurate records of participant progress and case notes in compliance with WIOA regulations and performance metrics.
Perform designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the local contract outcomes and state program measures.
Assist as needed with job fairs, large recruiting/hiring efforts, and other community outreach events.
Secondary Duties Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
Associate’s degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
License/Certification:
Valid California Class C driver’s license preferred.
Experience:
Three years experience as a job developer, employment training specialist, recruiter, or related profession. Vocational counselling training and/or experience desirable.
Knowledge:
Vocational implications of disadvantaging and disabling conditions; barriers to employment; local labor market and job search strategies; career exploration; job search tools; administration of academic and vocational testing instruments; familiarity with Goodwill’s mission; proficiency in computer technology, advanced record‑keeping software, internet job‑search techniques, and related software programs.
Skills/Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing; basic Spanish desirable; ability to understand and comply with state and federal program requirements; ability to follow Goodwill Central Coast Standard Operating Procedures and Code of Ethics; ability to work across functions; flexibility in service delivery times; interpersonal skills; adaptability; organisational and time‑management skills; reasoning, evaluation, and decision‑making based on measurable criteria; adherence to safe work practices; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly.
Job Setting The job is performed in an enclosed, climate‑controlled office building, with occasional visits to other employer/industry sites. Work is completed independently, one‑on‑one with the client and in a group setting with clients, client/employer meetings, and in cooperation with other staff and referral agents.
Physical Demands Primarily sedentary with walking and standing as necessary. Normal lifting or carrying limited to approximately 15 lbs; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs; heavier items (26 lbs or more) moved using equipment or assistance. Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform required tasks.
Emotional Effort Job requires some emotional effort involving occasional short deadlines requiring little or no overtime. Work environment is routine with periods of isolated high activity/demand.
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Essential Duties
Perform case management, which includes eligibility determination and intake, development and implementation of individualized employment plans, case documentation, and follow‑up.
Manage each participant’s case by documenting evaluations, assessments, progress notes, and referrals submitted to community agencies; maintain detailed case files to ensure compliance with WIOA program regulations and performance metrics.
Conduct assessments covering work history, employment skills and ability, educational background, need for supportive services, intensive and specialized employment needs, desired skills, available resources, and referrals to services for any other barriers to employment.
Provide career counseling and employment coaching, including resume writing, interview preparation, and professional skill‑building to enhance employability.
Facilitate job‑readiness workshops on financial literacy, digital skills, career planning, and workplace professionalism.
Connect participants to vocational training, certification programs, apprenticeships, and other educational opportunities.
Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities such as contacting employers, understanding local market requirements, reporting placements and follow‑up activities, and performing on‑the‑job interventions.
Collaborate with local employers, training providers, and workforce partners to identify job opportunities and career pathways.
Maintain close contact with referring agents and facilitate communication regarding participant progress.
Work in cooperation with training providers and other organizations used to facilitate work experience or employment.
Maintain accurate records of participant progress and case notes in compliance with WIOA regulations and performance metrics.
Perform designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the local contract outcomes and state program measures.
Assist as needed with job fairs, large recruiting/hiring efforts, and other community outreach events.
Secondary Duties Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
Associate’s degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
License/Certification:
Valid California Class C driver’s license preferred.
Experience:
Three years experience as a job developer, employment training specialist, recruiter, or related profession. Vocational counselling training and/or experience desirable.
Knowledge:
Vocational implications of disadvantaging and disabling conditions; barriers to employment; local labor market and job search strategies; career exploration; job search tools; administration of academic and vocational testing instruments; familiarity with Goodwill’s mission; proficiency in computer technology, advanced record‑keeping software, internet job‑search techniques, and related software programs.
Skills/Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing; basic Spanish desirable; ability to understand and comply with state and federal program requirements; ability to follow Goodwill Central Coast Standard Operating Procedures and Code of Ethics; ability to work across functions; flexibility in service delivery times; interpersonal skills; adaptability; organisational and time‑management skills; reasoning, evaluation, and decision‑making based on measurable criteria; adherence to safe work practices; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly.
Job Setting The job is performed in an enclosed, climate‑controlled office building, with occasional visits to other employer/industry sites. Work is completed independently, one‑on‑one with the client and in a group setting with clients, client/employer meetings, and in cooperation with other staff and referral agents.
Physical Demands Primarily sedentary with walking and standing as necessary. Normal lifting or carrying limited to approximately 15 lbs; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs; heavier items (26 lbs or more) moved using equipment or assistance. Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform required tasks.
Emotional Effort Job requires some emotional effort involving occasional short deadlines requiring little or no overtime. Work environment is routine with periods of isolated high activity/demand.
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