Career Development Specialist - Bakersfield, United States - Owens Valley Career Development Center

Description

CLASSIFICATION:
Non-Exempt




DEPARTMENT:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)




SUPERVISOR:
Site Manager
**PAY GRADE: NE6 - $25.17 to $35.24 per hour


Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Site Manager or designee, the Career Development Specialist will
develop, evaluate, and implement career, educational, social, and personal development activities that lead to
long-term personal enrichment goals and self-sufficiency of eligible OVCDC participants living within the
service area. The employee will work closely with the Site Managers and staff to plan, process, and monitor
cases.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the duties performed by this position and is not all
- inclusive. Each classification may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties which
may be assigned.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with families to develop a solid Family Self Sufficiency Plan and cocreate a strategy

- that advances them on the path of economic self-sufficiency and monitors their progress.

• Provide individualized guidance to participants utilizing interests, assessments, aptitude data, and

- personality evaluations in the guidance process.

• Assist participants with soft skill development problemsolving, time management, critical thinking, resume

- writing, and other skills.

• Collaborate with the Family Advocates to meet regularly with participants to assess participant progress and

- refine career goals.

• Utilize coaching tools and concepts, such as motivational interviewing and a growth mindset approach,

- to assist participants in developing career plans and support participants in meeting their goals.

• Build rapport and collaborate with community organizations, educational institutions, tribal entities, local

- agencies, and other key partners to identify career opportunities and strengthen referral relationships.

• Research economic conditions and trends and integrate labor market information to optimize planning.
• Work closely with TANF Site Managers and Family Advocates to ensure participants are eligible and are

provided with services that meet the specific needs of the families and individual participants within the
TANF Program.

• Increase job search competencies and knowledge in workforce preparation.
• Schedule and coordinate events, including, and, not limited to, job fairs, higher education workshops, soft

- skills, on-the-job employee training, and other work experience opportunities.

• Assist participants in improving selfawareness by identifying, assessing, and understanding their

competencies, interests, values, and personal characteristics and connecting these assets to their career
choice and success.

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and incorporates traumainformed practices.
• Provide program information and requirements and explain all appropriate forms and documents.
• Develop job resources for participants, including and not limited to employer contact lists, internet

- resources, and job readiness program content.

• Assist and support participants in understanding the benefits of community service, gainful

employment, cooperative education, internships, and other opportunities that lead to economic self
- sufficiency.

• Codevelop growth plans with participants and support participant's career and educational decisions,

graduate/professional school plans, employment plans, and/or job search competencies.

• Recognize when counseling is needed beyond the scope of career guidance and make appropriate

referrals to other resources.

• Prepares monthly reports.
• Collaborate with the Career Development Specialist peers and other staff across the organization.
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Communication, Counseling, or another related field with oneyear

relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the knowledge,
skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

• Training and experience conducting career assessments is preferred.
• Experience identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, motivating, and helping

others improve their knowledge or skills, especially in preparation for obtaining meaningful careers and/or
personal objectives toward self-sufficiency.

• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Experience working with individuals who are struggling with life challenges.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under company insurance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual presentation platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, procedures, and automated systems.
• General knowledge of the vision and mission of Owens Valley Career Development Cente