People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Senior Employment Specialist

  •  Title: Senior Employment Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 4

Nature and Scope of Work

The Senior Employment Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing program strategies for outreach, recruitment, enrollment, job/skills training, job development, job placement and referral for a program that serves clients throughout the state of Oregon. Incumbents act as a liaison between industry, PCC educational and apprenticeship programs, and various state organizations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Senior Employment Specialist is distinguished from the Employment Specialist in that the Senior Employment Specialist provides broad based educational and employment services to clients throughout the state of Oregon. Incumbents are required to travel extensively in support of their program and clients. The Employment Specialist provides specialized employment services such as referral, placement, retention, or job development in support of an assigned program.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Develop and implement strategies for outreach, recruitment, and information dissemination for targeted populations throughout the state of Oregon. Develop marketing brochures and informational materials. Participate in trade fairs and career fairs.
  2. Foster strong working relationships with community based organizations, businesses, and industry. Advise individuals on educational and training programs available through assigned program and at Portland Community College. Review and approve training proposals submitted by various organizations.
  3. Develop and prepare orientation and application materials for potential students. Interview, assess, and counsel potential students. Select individuals for admission into program. Assist students in the enrollment process.
  4. Provide active case management services for clients/students. Monitor student progress. Counsel and guide students in developing career and/or employment goals. Advocate for students as liaison with other college services.
  5. Work with targeted businesses and industry throughout Oregon in developing potential jobs for students. Negotiate work site training agreements or special accommodations. Provide employment referrals and job placement services. Monitor and track student success following placement.
  6. Design and deliver contracted training and public presentations for assigned program.
  7. Perform related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting and also requires extensive travel using a personal vehicle. Frequent evening and weekend hours required.

Physical Requirements

Long hours sitting in a vehicle is required when traveling. Ability to travel in inclement weather. Ability to lift or pull program materials that may weigh up to 50 pounds to job and career fairs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Industrial Arts, Business Administration, or related field. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Demonstrated experience working in occupational training and employment, industry and trades, or apprenticeship programs. Demonstrated experience in job development and job placement required. Experience working with and advising students entering traditional and non-traditional trades desirable.

Special industry equivalent training may be required dependent on position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of effective outreach and recruitment activities.
  • Knowledge of effective marketing strategies.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws impacting employment and assigned program.
  • Knowledge of current labor market trends.
  • Knowledge of effective training techniques and adult learning theory.
  • Knowledge of community resources for appropriate referrals.
Skills in:
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
  • Skill in assessing and mentoring students.
Ability to:
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects or to change priorities quickly and frequently.
  • Ability to work with an ethnically and culturally diverse population.
  • Ability to apply problem solving techniques to complex issues.
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Ext. 9/97