Youth Workforce Development Specialist

Job Overview
The Workforce Development Specialist provides direct services to young adult participants in Hamilton County under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This grant-funded role focuses on individualized career coaching and case management to help job seekers overcome barriers and achieve lasting employment.

Workforce Development Specialists work independently and set up in locations where services are most needed. This includes American Job Centers, community partner sites, libraries, schools, local organizations, and directly within underserved neighborhoods. Staff must be comfortable working on the go, adapting to changing priorities, and creating a professional setup in a variety of community spaces.

Success in this role requires strong self-management, proactive outreach, and consistent presence in the community. Reliable transportation and a self-directed working style are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management, including outreach, intake, orientation, plan development/implementation, case management, follow-up, and other tasks necessary to appropriately document and support individuals as they achieve employment goals.
• Manage a dynamic caseload of approximately 60 active and 50 follow-up cases.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of work history, employment skills and abilities, educational history, competencies, need for supportive services, identification of specialized employment needs, skills to be attained, and appropriate referrals to help individuals overcome employment barriers.
• Deliver one-on-one and group-based job readiness training, life skills coaching, and career exploration activities that align with participant goals.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community agencies to enhance wraparound support and resource referrals for participants.
• Conduct proactive outreach to meet participants where they are, including delivering services in community centers, partner agencies, recovery programs, and high-need neighborhoods.
• Develop job leads, engage employers, and provide direct job placement support, including on-the-job coaching and retention services.
• Support job fairs, hiring events, and community outreach activities to increase program visibility and participant engagement.
• Maintain accurate, timely case documentation in accordance with grant, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Build strong relationships with employers to create job opportunities for clients.
• Perform related duties to ensure compliance with grant performance metrics and agency objectives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in workforce development, case management, career coaching, social services, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of community resources, local labor market dynamics, and participant support strategies.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and present information clearly in both individual and group settings.
• Proficient in problem-solving, critical thinking, and data-informed decision-making.
• A commitment to empowering individuals through supportive guidance and advocacy.
• Excellent self-management skills, with the ability to work independently in a field-based role while managing multiple priorities.

Education

A combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the functions of this role effectively.

Emotional Effort

This role involves working with participants facing significant challenges. Empathy, emotional resilience, and professionalism are essential to navigate sensitive conversations, set boundaries, and maintain a supportive environment. The role may include occasional high-pressure situations and short deadlines, balanced by routine daily tasks.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings