Workforce Development Specialist

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT :

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city : from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE :

The Workforce Development Specialist will serve as part of the Cambridge Works team, as well as support other programs of the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), including the Cambridge Employment Program, Next Up, and the work of OWD’s youth team. Cambridge Works is an innovative transitional jobs program that provides residents with paid work experience, job readiness training and case management before placing them in permanent employment. The Workforce Development Specialist will help to recruit and screen participants, plan curriculum, lead segments of the classroom training, build relationships with local employers, place graduates into employment, and assist with job development for other OWD programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Share responsibility for leading bi-weekly professional development workshops for Cambridge Works participants in coordination with the program team and contribute to the development and delivery of job readiness curriculum

Develop worksites / internship sites for both Cambridge Works and Next Up

Provide custom job development services to OWD programs, weighted approximately : Cambridge Works (50%), Cambridge Employment Program (30%), Youth Programs (20%)

Assist with recruiting, screening and selecting new program participants

Participate in weekly meetings to evaluate participant progress and help to implement performance improvement plans when necessary

Promote Cambridge Works and other OWD programs to private sector companies, building relationships with business leaders

Assist participants with on-line applications and interview preparation

Work as part of a job development team with the Cambridge Works Program Manager and the Business Services Manager

Recruit employers to participate in mock interviews, employer forums, job fairs and other activities to benefit clients of all OWD programs

Enter and review case management, attendance and job development notes and records in program database

Enhance and update employer data in program database

Attend public events and community meetings and develop relationships with community partners to promote OWD’s programs and identify candidates

Work some evenings and occasional weekend hours as required

Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education and Experience :

Minimum of two to three years of experience working with both employers and diverse jobseekers across skill levels to define and meet their employment goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Familiarity with current workforce needs and issues, as well as current tools and strategies for job search

Strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to market program services

Experience developing and leading workshops

Experience working with diverse clientele and a commitment to addressing social inequities.

Proven ability to work respectfully and empathetically with both adults and youth

Organized, flexible and good-humored

Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; and Calendly; facility with case management software

Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

• Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer
• Ability to answer phones and maintain multiple files
• Ability to lift a minimum of at least 10 lbs.
• Ability to travel to meetings within the city
• Be comfortable to work primarily in a standard office environment with moderate noise level, telephones, personal computers, printers, and other office equipment.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS :

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS :

Please upload the below documents to complete your application :