WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Date: Dec 5, 2025

Req ID: 54553

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72202

Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,700.10

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist will function as the Apprenticeship Expansion Coordinator. The Apprenticeship Exansion Coordinator is responsible for leading efforts to expand registered apprenticeship programs in non-traditional industries and occupational apprenticeships. This position will be responsible for working with employers, registered apprenticeship sponsors, and training providers to expand registered apprenticeships across all sectors. They will also work to expand the Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program (A RPAP) opportunities, leading to the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) across industry sectors and occupations.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field. Basic familiarity with data management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate clear interactions with team members, community partners, and program participants.
Basic proficiency in interpreting data and preparing reports to inform program improvements and track outcomes.
Competence in standard office software and the agility to learn new systems or tools as needed for data management and collaboration.
A collaborative mindset with a willingness to engage with varied community members and build strong professional relationships.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

Monitors budget amendments and expenditure reports of programs, along with approval/disapproval of expenditures for apprenticeship expansion grants.
Tasked with promoting and expanding apprenticeships throughout the state of Arkansas, across all industries and sectors
Communicate and collaborate with Department of Labor personnel and other state government agency as necessary.
Review of ne'w program start-u p grant information.
Provides technical assistance to programs by interpreting regulations, answering questions, and resolving problems.
Conducts workshops during local meetings and professional conferences.
Reviews status and accountability reports for programs.
Some overnight travel may be required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Develop Memorandum of Understanding for expansion grant funds.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Workforce Development

Classification: Workforce Development Specialist

Class Code: PWD03P

Pay Grade: SPC01

Salary Range: $58,700 – $86,876

Job Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development initiatives. This role performs a variety of administrative, logistical, and research tasks that help connect job seekers with employment opportunities and training resources. Ideal for recent graduates or professionals beginning their career in workforce development, this classification offers exposure to community engagement, program coordination, and data analysis, all aimed at strengthening local labor markets and promoting economic growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, and manage documentation for workforce development projects. Assist with the preparation of presentations, reports, and meeting minutes for internal and external personnel. Input, update, and maintain program data in databases and spreadsheets. Compile periodic reports on program outcomes, participant progress, and labor market trends. Provide logistical support for career fairs, training workshops, and community engagement events. Assist in outreach efforts by communicating with local employers, community organizations, and training providers to promote workforce programs. Help the workforce development team with research, including labor market assessments and best practice evaluations. Support the development of program materials, educational resources, and marketing collateral. Serve as a primary point of contact for public inquiries regarding workforce initiatives. Aid in organizing meetings and maintaining relationships with key community partners.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate clear interactions with team members, community partners, and program participants. Basic proficiency in interpreting data and preparing reports to inform program improvements and track outcomes. Competence in standard office software and the agility to learn new systems or tools as needed for data management and collaboration. A collaborative mindset with a willingness to engage with varied community members and build strong professional relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field.

Basic familiarity with data management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) is beneficial.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.