SENIOR EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST DEFINITION:
Under direction, takes the lead in assessing the education and training needs of participants; assists in their motivation and provides and/or makes referrals to appropriate work experience and training services as a means of improving the employability of participants assigned to work experience and training projects; may take the lead over lower level employment specialists; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Participates with and/or leads other staff in the development of individual employability plans.
Assigns individuals to appropriate phases of the work experience and training program after reviewing educational records, employment histories, and other related information.
Maintains follow-up with project participants, instructors, work experience unit sponsors, and others furnishing services to evaluate progress.
Counsels project participants on matters relating to training, work habits, motivation, and relations with instructors or employers.
Follows-up on placements for on-the-job training to monitor the progress of participants.
Evaluates participants' progress toward employability.
Assists in promoting sponsorship of work experience units by public, nonprofit, and private employers.
Provides instruction to other employment specialists.
Maintains the essential records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in assessing education and training needs and providing referrals for work experience and training services, or in providing manpower development and training, job placement, education or vocational counseling, or a combination thereof.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a Master's degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Counseling, or related fields from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of social and economic problems involved to secure the employment of unemployed persons.
Knowledge of principles of vocational counseling.
Knowledge of types of community resources ordinarily available to increase employability.
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and evaluate information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, project participants, and sponsors.
Ability to maintain the essential records and files.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports and correspondence containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
