ACOM DWS WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

Position Number: 22093572 
County: Columbia 
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,154.98 
Employment & Training Services 

Position Summary

The Workforce Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive workforce development services to job seekers and employers. This position involves a mix of in­ person and virtual services to assist individuals intl1eir job search, career advancement, and skill development. The Workforce Specialist will utilize both in-person and online tools to facilitate job matching, provide career counseling, and engage with employers to meet their hiring needs. A critical aspect of this role is the ability to effectively deliver employment.

This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Education and Professional Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma or its equivalent; plus two years of experience in customer service, program eligibility, claims adjudication, or a related field.

Preferred Qualification

 (1) year of experience in  workforce development, employment services, customer service, program eligibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Arkansas labor market, including regional economic conditions, workforce needs, and occupational trends across urban and rural areas.
• Understanding of services and eligibility requirements under the Wagner-Peyser Act, as administered through the Arkansas Workforce Connections and the Arkansas Workforce Centers.
• Familiarity with Arkansas JobLink (AJL), the state's labor exchange and case management system, including job matching, case documentation, and reporting features.
• Knowledge of the programs and services offered through Arkansas Workforce Connections, including WIOA Title I, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA), SNAP Employment & Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Awareness of community resources and supportive services available throughout Arkansas that assist job seekers in overcoming employment barriers (e.g., transportation , housing, childcare, education).
• Skilled in delivering both in-person and virtual employment services using tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Arkansas JobLink.
• Proficient in preparing clients for employment through resume development, online job applications, mock interviews, and digital literacy coaching.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage individuals from rural communities, disadvantaged populations , veterans, youth, and justice-involved individuals.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and digital labor market tools (e.g., CareerOne Stop and O*NET,).
• Ability to assess job seekers' needs, employment history , skill gaps, and career goals to develop tailored Individual Employment Plans (IEPs).

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1.     Client Services and Counseling

• Provide personalized , one-on-one and group-based employment counseling using virtual and in-person platforms.
• Assist clients in overcoming employment barriers and develop action plans for job search success.
• Guide clients through resume creation, cover letter development, interviews preparation, and job application processes such as online job applications using digital tools
• Maintain timely and accurate records in Arkansas Job Link (AJL) and ensure case notes support service outcomes and performance reporting .

2.    Job Placement and Retention

• Connect job seekers with employment opportunities by leveraging state labor market tools and relationships with industry partners.
• Support candidates through interview readiness, job matching and application submissions.
• Encourage and support co-enrollment into training or credential programs aligned with in-demand occupations.

3. Community Engagement and Employer Relations

• Represent the workforce center at job fairs, community events, sector partnerships, and employer   roundtables .
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to assess hiring needs, promote job openings, and coordinate recruitment events.

4. Research, Training, and Resource Development

• Monitor labor market trends, workforce intelligence, and employer demand using available state and national data sources.
• Participate in regular professional development related to workforce systems, equity, customer service, and labor market trends.
• Assist in developing and updating digital and print career readiness materials, virtual job search content, and career pathway tools.
• Collaborate with local education providers and community partners to maintain an up-to­ date referral network and training resource guide.

 5. Equity, Access, and Innovation

• Ensure equitable access to services for diverse and underserved communities by delivering services in culturally responsive ways.
• Support virtual access to services through mobile-responsive tools, virtual workshops, and live chat or video assistance.
• Contribute to pilot programs or innovation initiatives aimed at improving employment outcomes through digital tools or new service models.
• Engage with clients and community stakeholders to identify service gaps and recommend improvements to increase impact and equity.

The mission of the Department of Commerce is to champion economic opportunities through strategic initiatives and an equitable regulatory environment that attracts and grows businesses, safeguards consumers, enhances workforce quality, and energizes our infrastructure, creating a better quality of life for all Arkansans.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.