DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for providing administrative support services to assist Employment and Training Specialists and supervisory staff in gathering information necessary to enroll individuals in the Employment and Training programs. The incumbent accepts program applications, reviews information. The work is primarily administrative in nature; however, an incumbent of this class also has direct contact with program participants to introduce them to the various job search resources available and conducts orientations for new program participants. The incumbent is required to apply acquired knowledge of Employment and Training regulations and principles to individual situations and has an independence of judgment to do so. The work is performed according to Federal, State and local laws and regulations under the direct supervision of a higher-level Employment and Training employee. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
- Assists Employment and Training Specialists with enrolling individuals in the Employment and Training programs by gathering information, collecting and reviewing paperwork submitted for accuracy and completeness, and related tasks;
- Assists in the development of realistic jobs and/or training opportunities for agency clients;
- Reviews and assists participants with completing applications, resumes, and cover letters for employment and provides available job information and training opportunities;
- Collects and posts information relating to job openings, and refers participants to job openings that are suitable to their training and experience;
- Provides an orientation to new participants, explains the policies and procedures of the agency programs, as well as ancillary services available through the agency;
- Assists in matching job-ready participants with positions available in the public or private sector;
- Interviews clients and identifies client skills or job readiness problems;
- Compiles employment and training data and completes various reports;
- Creates and maintains client files;
- Participates in on-the-job, formal and special training sessions.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the operation of employment and training programs; working knowledge of the cultural, environmental, and personal factors influencing the lives of persons who are economically disadvantaged, low income or unemployed; working knowledge of the Federal, State, and local employment and training rules and regulations; working knowledge of services provided by various educational and occupational programs within the Agency’s service area; ability to collect, organize and interpret data and information; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients; ability to express oneself both orally and in writing; ability to understand oral and written directions; computer skills required; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Promotion: Two years of permanent status as an Office Specialist in the Lewis County Department of Social Services.
Open-Competitive: Either:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate’s degree; or
B. Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and two years of experience in a social service, community action, community service, or healthcare agency, or similar setting, involving direct client contact; or
C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
NOTE: Successful completion of coursework in the social sciences or behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, counseling, criminal justice, public justice, gerontology, human behavior, social work, vocational rehabilitation, economics, political science) at a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, may be substituted for the required experience with three semester credit hours of related coursework as indicated above being equivalent to three months of experience.