TJJD - Workforce Development Specialist V - Workforce Development and Reentry Support Specialist - (RSA) - 50437

HOW TO APPLY

Complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and the following additional forms (available at https://www.tjjd.texas.gov/careers/)

1. TJJD Employment Application Supplement (HR-003)
2. Child Abuse Registry Check Consent Form (HR-028)
3. Disclosure of PREA Employment Standards Violation (HR-975)
4. Authorization to Release Information (HR-074)

Failure to complete and submit the above forms will cause delays in your consideration for this position.

Apply Online at https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/644/jobdetail.ftl?job=00050437&tz=GMT-05:00 and attach to the application the above additional forms along with copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).

Apply through Work-In-Texas at https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/loginintro.aspx.  You will also need to complete and attach to the application the supplemental questions/forms indicated above along with a copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).  The additional forms are available at: https://www.tjjd.texas.gov/careers and can be submitted via email to:  [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE

Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years.  Your application must contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of employment (month & year), supervisor’s name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week.  If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete.  Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

Applicants must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check and any other requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications.

BENEFITS

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov.  Benefits include:  Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program.  Optional add-on benefits include:  Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc.  Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) workforce development work to assist youth in their community reentry process including successfully entering the workforce, maintaining employment, accessing community services and becoming self-sufficient upon discharge from the agency’s custody or release under supervision.  This position is responsible for developing relationships and coordinating services with local employers, federal, state, county, city and community-based organizations, that may provide employment experience and job training opportunities for the youth that will help them transition back into society.  Collaborates, as a member of the youth’s multi-disciplinary team, with parole officers, human services specialists and other halfway house staff, and education staff to identify youth reentry workforce development needs.  This position works with youth to identify community services that support development of their permanency plan, and assists youth in identifying financial supports, permanent supportive housing options, and opportunities to develop autonomy and independent living skills.   Assists youth and families to navigate systems and advocate for themselves within these systems.  Records pertinent data and develops detailed reports. 

Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  This position is assigned to a specific geographic area and will be required to travel. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Must travel a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the time.  May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Collaborates, as a member of the youth’s multi-disciplinary team, with parole officers, human services specialists and other halfway house staff, and education staff to identify youth reentry workforce development needs and develop a comprehensive service delivery plan.

Develops relationships and coordinates services with local employers, federal, state, county, city and community-based organizations within the assigned geographic area that may provide employment and training opportunities for the youth.

Coordinates the enrollment of TJJD youth with local workforce centers for assistance with employment, occupational skills training opportunities and other supportive services. 

Conducts an assessment of TJJD youth job readiness skills; provides training, consultative services, and technical assistance or coordinates enrollment in programs to address identified areas of deficiency; tracks and monitors progress. 

Records education, occupational skills, training needs, and other pertinent information in various assigned tracking systems. 

Develops and provides detailed reports to managerial staff regarding case management assessment, planning and service provisions, and participant outcomes. 

Reviews and evaluates program services and needs; assists with analyzing the applicability and variations of programs; assists with developing an action plan for improvement; and recommends initiating new programs. 

Assists with independent living/housing options by developing relationship with landlords, property management companies, local housing authorities and housing partners to identify and procure safe, decent and affordable housing.

Teaches youth to complete applications for available community support services and financial support/assistance. 

Assists youth with housing applications and supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, surveys the market for affordable housing and advocates for youth with prospective landlords.

Provides coaching to youth to assist with their ability to retain housing, including conflict resolution with landlords and/or roommates. 

Assists youth and families to develop the skills necessary to navigate systems (e.g. educational, workforce, human service agencies, medical, behavioral health, community resources, housing, and transportation) and assists them in advocating for themselves within these systems.

 Assists with all aspects of planning, writing, budget development, training and implementation of contracts, grants or memorandums of understanding.

Disseminates workforce, career, and educational information to all who inquire, including TJJD youth, staff, and the general public.

Performs all duties in compliance with the agency’s safety policies and procedures.

• Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.
• Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames.

Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

Regularly attends work in a predictable manner, as scheduled and on an as-needed basis, in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

Actively embody and support the Texas Model by demonstrating its core values in daily tasks and interactions with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in business administration, public administration, social science, behavioral science, education or a related field. Three years of full-time wage earning experience that may be a combination of the following: experience in workforce development issues and programs, case management, counseling, or education/training.  Completed course hours of graduate study may be substituted for up to two years of experience on a basis of 12 graduate course hours for one year of experience. 

OR

High school diploma or equivalent. Seven years of full-time wage earning experience that may be any combination of the following: experience in workforce development issues and programs, case management, counseling, or education/training.  Completed course hours of undergraduate study may be substituted for up to four years of the required years of experience on a basis of 30 undergraduate course hours for one year of experience.

Preferred:

-       Bilingual (Spanish and English)

-       Experience working with at-risk youth.

Required:

-       Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license for continued employment.

-       Must have or be able to obtain a certificate of course completion for the Criminal Justice Practitioner (CJP) online course provided through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) within six months of employment as a workforce development specialist with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Note:  Any degree, course hours, diploma, or equivalent required to meet minimum qualifications must be obtained from an accredited educational institution.  Experience requirements may be satisfied by the prorated part-time equivalent.

This position is subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing and any offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable results from a drug screen conducted for the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Analyzing

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to see                           

Ability to hear (with or without aid)       

Ability to feel

Heavy lifting, 45 lbs. & over                 

Climbing ladders

Heavy carrying, 45 lbs. & over

Pulling                                                 

Repeated bending                              

Operate motor equipment

Reaching above shoulder                   

Grasping                                             

Identify colors

Walking                                               

Depth perception

Standing                                             

Sitting                                                 

Crawling                                              

Twisting                                              

Kneeling                                             

Pushing                                              

Stooping                                             

Climbing stairs

Restraining combative youth

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

1.        Knowledge of or ability to acquire knowledge of TJJD programs, policies, and procedures.

2.        Knowledge of interviewing and assessment techniques and procedures.

3.        Knowledge of local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the program area.

4.        Knowledge of employment and training programs funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) or other community based employment and training programs that assist youth.

5.        Knowledge of Demand Occupations in Texas and Labor Market Information (LMI).

6.        Skill in conducting interviews, counseling others, conducting vocational assessments, and development of individual case plans. 

7.        Skill in coordinating a comprehensive workforce development plan.

8.        Ability to conduct workforce development training modules that are designed for youth.

9.        Ability to maintain a reliable transportation with valid insurance and driver’s license.

10.      Ability to maintain a good driving record.

11.      Ability and willingness to adapt to change.

12.      Ability to work effectively with youth.

13.      Ability to help maintain a safe and secure work environment.

14.      Ability to physically restrain youth when necessary in a manner consistent with instructions received and to transport youth and travel as necessary.

15.      Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public and perform duties to promote workforce development by working as a team member.

16.      Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

VETERANS

In order to receive veteran’s preference, a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), VA disability rating (if applicable), or a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) must be attached to your application.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Employment MOS Codes.

SPONSORSHIP

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center (https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en), you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

 Thank you for considering employment with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.