The Career Specialist is responsible for providing all Employment Service program services in accordance with federal, state, and local procedures in the Michigan Works American Job Centers (AJC). This includes providing consistent, expert advice and professional support for job seekers and employers in utilizing on-line, AJC, and program resources, assisting customers in developing professional electronic resumes, assisting with application completion, conducting on-line job or resume searches and presenting various career development workshops, program orientations and seminars. The Career Specialist is also responsible for providing timely and accurate information regarding the AJC services available to customers and employers, maintaining accurate records in accordance with local, state, federal and unit regulations, and maintaining updated information and resources in the AJCs. The Career Specialist will also conduct various program orientations, reemployment services sessions, pre-screen for various program/special project eligibility, complete intake and registration and enter data into the OS MIS system.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Immediately greets each customer in a friendly, professional manner as he/she enters the AJC, determining customer’s needs/reason for visit, providing the appropriate level of service to ensure completion of customer’s objectives, exceeding customer’s expectations, and contributing towards contracted performance goals.
Responds to calls, answers programmatic questions, schedules appointments and orientations, workshops, maintains tracking tools, and enters data into the One Stop Management Information System (OS MIS).
Informs visitors of available opportunities through programs, community resources, and special projects, pre-screens, completes intake and registration for programs/projects as assigned.
Completes data entry of UI/ES verification and services delivered into the One Stop Management Information System daily to ensure registration of all Unemployment Agency claimants is reported in a timely manner.
Instructs customers in the effective use of all AJC resources, assisting with the development of high-quality Pure Michigan Talent Connect resumes, and providing technical assistance in utilizing the various on-line job banks, career development sites, tutorials, software and office equipment.
Maintains current knowledge of program regulations and policies, local labor market trends, workforce development resources, career development techniques, job search skills, new and developing resources, training opportunities, self-help materials, educational programs, financial aid information and assessment tools.
Conducts informative, interesting, and motivational program orientations, service information sessions, and various job search skills topic sessions on site and at variouslocations including community agencies, schools, partner agencies and community events.
Conducts various career, job search, and employment related seminars and workshops including resume development, interview skills, career exploration, vocational
awareness, labor market information, job search skills techniques, cover letter and application preparation, career/education preparation, career development and growth,
on-line job searching, personal motivation, effective work habits, salary negotiation, career preparation and others to provide customers with the skills necessary to obtain employment and foster career growth.
Provides guidance in accessing on-line assessment instruments and results to customers in accordance with the Employment Service regulations.
Assesses customer’s skills, education, work experience, and matches them to appropriate employment and training opportunities available through AJC resources to contribute towards contracted performance standards.
Maintains a pool of available, active candidates organized by skill sets to execute immediate referrals to new job openings. Utilizes e-mail system to notify customers of employment opportunities, job fairs, employer application and hiring events and other AJC activities as available and appropriate. Coordinates referrals of candidates with AJC Business Service Representatives.
Guides customers to appropriate Service AJC staff or partner staff to ensure timely and accurate program information and/or assistance to meet each customer’s needs.
Maintains up to date resource material in the AJC and researches and gathers new and updated information to benefit AJC customers and employers.
Documents all registrations and services in accordance with local, state, federal, and unit regulations including timely and accurate data entry into the state OS/MIS system and maintenance of required hard copy documentation.
Guides customers in operating various job search, tutorial, career exploration, and self-assessment tools available in the AJC including assistance in establishing on-line e-mail accounts necessary for the purposes of job seeking.
Assists with data entry of customer/employer information, program activities and services, and case notes into the state One Stop Management Information System and
compiling necessary back-up records for preparing unit reports within assigned time- lines.
Conducts Rapid Response Worker orientation sessions to deliver accurate, comprehensible program information to customers. Assists with preparing packets for sessions and maintaining/entering attendance records.
Maintains up to date knowledge of AJC programs and conducts TAA program eligibility determination, intake, and registration. Instructs customers in necessary documents for program registration and completes all required program forms and data entry.
Produces documents by utilizing word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet applications and executes mass mailings for special event invitations, announcements, routine customer follow-up, and seminar/workshop/orientation hand-outs.
Responds to RESEA calls, schedules customers for sessions, instructs customers in necessary documentation and program requirements.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in human service-related field is preferred but can be substituted with one-year related experience for each year of college. One (1) year working with customers or clients, preferably in a workforce development, professional placement, educational, human service or career development capacity is required.
The proven ability to articulate thoughts clearly on paper with proper grammar, punctuation and the ability to apply language rules. Excellent public speaking skills.
Ability to conduct seminars on a variety of topics and teach job-search skills to diverse groups of customers and present program information to job seekers, community agencies, and employers.
Ability to apply techniques used in resume and cover letter writing and effectively guide customers in the process.
Ability to read and comprehend state and federal program guidelines, local policy and to follow established processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in operating computerized software including word processing, spreadsheet and Internet applications, ability to focus on accuracy and detail.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse customer base.
Must be able to travel to and work at all AJC locations, various community/education partner locations, events, as needed, including nights and weekends.
All work is on-site and is not performed remotely.
