Career Specialist

About UMass Amherst The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. Job Summary The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) MassHire Greater Brockton Career Center (MHGBCC) Career Specialist provides direct services to qualified job seekers through job counseling, workshop instruction, networking, and coordination of outside services. Career Specialists ensure that job seekers have information, training, and skills required to meet the demands of area businesses and to facilitate job-seeker access to local employment opportunities. This position must fulfill robust data entry and reporting requirements on program activities, meeting the standards of U.S. Department of Labor validation review. Essential Functions Performs tasks and interventions, and provides advice to customers in line with MassHire overall mission objectives. Provides services to customers to allow them to successfully participate in the Federal Title 1 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Commonwealth's Re-Employment Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. Facilitates comprehensive re-employment services to job seekers through assessments, individual counseling, trainings, workshops, job placement, and follow-up. Coordinates with the MHGBCC Business Services unit in order to make appropriate employment referrals by developing a pool of qualified job seekers and matching them to opportunities. Remains current and knowledgeable on performance benchmarks and metrics in order to integrate these measures into daily operations. Monitors program-specific performance benchmarks and assess and adjust own performance against those measures. Documents all services in Massachusetts One Stop Employment System (MOSES) and other systems required for program compliance. Performs all assignments in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with the program requirements issued by local, state, and federal agencies. Other Functions Cross-trains and provides coverage for other MassHire team members when needed. Participates in all MassHire and UMDI initiatives as required. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Bachelor's degree OR three (3) years of demonstrated, proven ability and experience in workforce development, human resources, or counseling. Demonstrated ability in the following areas: Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of workforce development and employment counseling techniques. Desire to serve the needs of diverse populations with acceptance to include such demographic factors as age, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, or disability. Excellent verbal and written English language communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Solid computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) Ability to speak, read and write in other additional languages. Languages preferred include but are not limited to: Spanish, Cape Verdean, Haitian/Creole, and Portuguese. Knowledge of the program requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other Federal and State programs. Physical Demands/Working Conditions Ability to transport supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. Multiple hours in a stationary position while using office equipment and computers. Environment and work demands are fast-paced and dynamic, including multiple interruptions and requests for assistance. The physical/mental demands and work environment factors described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Additional Details This is a full-time benefited position. This position is funded by grants and/or contracts and is contingent upon funding. Applicants must be work authorized for employment in the U.S on a full-time basis. Any job offer is specifically conditioned upon the potential candidate consenting to and successfully completing a background review. All Career Specialists will be required to complete training in Massachusetts One Stop Employment System (MOSES) and gain facility with its use. This position is located in Brockton, MA. Work Schedule Standard full-time work schedule consisting of five, eight-hour days and 40 hours each week. Work performed in addition to regular hours may be necessary, as may be a change in availability at specific times, to accommodate for variations in work demands. Salary Information Level 25 PSU Hiring Ranges Special Instructions to Applicants Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.