Business Services Representative - United, United States - State of Pennsylvania

Description

Salary: $49, $75,795.00 Annually

Location : Berks County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS

Department: Department of Labor & Industry

Division: LI BVRS Reading Dstr Off

Opening Date: 05/13/2024

Closing Date: 5/26/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 06210

Position Number:

Union: SEIU

Bargaining Unit: F4

Pay Group: ST06

Bureau / Division Code:

Bureau / Division: Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services/Reading District Office

Worksite Address: 3602 Kutztown Road

City: Reading, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 19605

Contact Name: Bradley Powell

Contact Email:

THE POSITION

Are you interested in a rewarding career within the Department of Labor & Industry? The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is seeking a customer service driven professional to join our team as a Business Services Representative (BSR). In this position, you have the opportunity to increase employment opportunities and retention of OVR customers by promoting OVR services to businesses, stakeholders, and potential customers. As a forward-facing role, the BSR serves as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for local employer partners, while helping the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) connect OVR customers to available jobs. If you have exceptional communication skills and are dedicated to making a positive impact throughout the community, we want you on our team

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this role, you will have the opportunity to build positive relationships with local employers and stakeholders to help fulfill OVR's mission of assisting Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence. You will act as a liaison between employers, providers, and district office staff in support of established district office programs and customer placement opportunities. In this role, you will be required to maintain employer relationships established by VRCs and other VR staff through regular contact via phone, email, virtual, and in-person meetings. Additional responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

• Promoting employment and incentive programs
• Preparing and updating informational material for outreach activities
• Providing Disability Awareness training
• Participating in job fairs
• Researching employment trends and barriers

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the required probationary period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Reading.
• Salary: Most employees will start at the beginning level of the advertised salary.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree that includes 24 credits in the behavioral sciences; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 24 credits in the behavioral sciences.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/test once for this posting.

Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree, or are you within 3 months of conferring a bachelor's degree, that includes completion of 24 credits in the behavioral sciences?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

02

If you do not possess a conferred bachelor's degree, have you completed 24 college credits in the behavioral sciences?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess four or more years of full-time paraprofessional work experience?

• Yes
• No

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.)

05

Do you possess any professional experience?

• Yes
• No

06

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

07

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provide technical assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) regarding resume preparation, interviewing strategies, networking exercises, and job search techniques. Provide technical assistance to employers, community partners, agencies, and human resource staff regarding vocational rehabilitation programs, procedures, and policies.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience providing technical assistance to PWDs regarding job preparation techniques and strategies; AND I have experience providing technical assistance regarding vocational rehabilitation programs, procedures, or policies.
• B. I have experience providing technical assistance to PWDs regarding job preparation techniques and strategies; OR I have experience providing technical assistance regarding vocational rehabilitation programs, procedures, or policies.
• C. I have experience providing technical assistance to any individual regarding job preparation techniques and strategies. This was NOT related to vocational rehabilitation programs.
• D. I have experience providing technical assistance NOT related to vocational rehabilitation programs, procedures, or policies.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking, interviewing techniques, resume building, career planning, or communication.
• F. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

09

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience providing technical assistance with job preparation techniques and strategies.
3. Your experience providing technical assistance regarding vocational rehabilitation programs, procedures, or policies.
4. The topic of the information provided and to whom.
5. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

10

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ANALYZE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Analyze persons with disabilities' (PWDs') progress in meeting vocational and employment goals and objectives. Identify employment trends and barriers to employment and recommend changes to resolve concerns.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience analyzing PWDs' progress in meeting vocational or employment goals and objectives. I have identified barriers or recommended changes to resolve concerns.
• B. I have experience analyzing an individual's progress in meeting vocational or employment goals and objectives. I have identified barriers or recommended changes to resolve concerns. This experience was NOT related to vocational rehabilitation.
• C. I have experience analyzing an individual's progress in meeting vocational or employment goals and objectives. I did NOT identify barriers or recommend changes to resolve concerns. This experience was NOT related to vocational rehabilitation.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to vocational rehabilitation, vocational education, social work or welfare, sociology, or career development.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience analyzing progress in meeting vocational or employment goals and objectives.
3. Your experience identifying barriers or recommending changes to resolve concerns.
4. With whom you worked (persons with disabilities or other individuals).
5. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - JOB INQUIRY AND PLACEMENT
Contact new and existing businesses to inquire about current job openings and possible job opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Provide employers with contact information of qualified applicants.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience contacting businesses to inquire about current job openings or possible job opportunities for PWDs. I provided employers with contact information of qualified applicants.
• B. I have experience contacting businesses to inquire about current job openings or possible job opportunities. I provided employers with contact information of qualified applicants not requiring vocational rehabilitation services.
• C. I have experience contacting businesses to inquire about current job openings or possible job opportunities for any individuals seeking employment. I did NOT provide employers with contact information of qualified applicants.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to job placement, recruitment, or human resource management.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

15

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience contacting businesses to inquire about current job openings or possible job opportunities.
3. Your experience providing employers with contact information of qualified applicants.
4. With whom you worked (persons with disabilities or other individuals).
5. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Create brochures, guides, and other marketing materials regarding employer outreach. Distribute information to employers regarding consultation and talent recruitment services, hiring tax credits, on-the-job training opportunities, and other incentives for assisting qualified persons with disabilities with employment. Disseminate job leads and employment vacancy announcements to consumers.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience distributing information to employers regarding services or incentives for assisting PWDs with employment; OR I have experience disseminating job leads or vacancy announcements to PWDs.
• B. I have experience distributing information to employers regarding services or incentives for assisting qualified individuals with employment; OR I have experience disseminating job leads or vacancy announcements to individuals seeking employment. This experience is NOT related to vocational rehabilitation services.
• C. I have experience creating brochures, guides, or other marketing materials.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to marketing, advertising, English composition, or journalism.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience distributing information to employers regarding services or incentives.
3. Your experience disseminating job leads or vacancy announcements.
4. With whom you worked (persons with disabilities or other individuals).
5. Your experience creating brochures, guides, or other marketing materials.
6. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - DEVELOP AND CONDUCT PRESENTATIONS
Develop and conduct presentations at job fairs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and outreach events for individuals seeking employment and businesses seeking qualified applicants.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience DEVELOPING AND CONDUCTING presentations.
• B. I have experience DEVELOPING presentations that others conducted.
• C. I have experience CONDUCTING presentations which were developed by others.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to adult education, training methods, or effective presentations.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience developing or conducting presentations.
3. The topic(s) or purpose of the presentation.
4. The actual duties you performed and level of responsibility.

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question