Lead Workforce Development Specialist

Job title: Workforce Development Specialist - Lead

Reports To: Business Services Manager

Location: North Central Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time Exempt Employee

The Workforce Development Specialist Lead (ES) provides day-to-day operational leadership and guidance for Workforce Development Specialists delivering Employer Services under the Wagner-Peyser Act. This role serves as the primary point of contact for center staff, supports service delivery excellence, monitors performance and compliance, coordinates workflow, and assists management in ensuring quality workforce services to employers and job seekers.

The Lead role is responsible for fostering a collaborative team environment, promoting operational consistency, providing coaching and training, and supporting achievement of workforce performance goals while maintaining direct service responsibilities as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Operational Support

Serve as the primary point of contact for Workforce Development Specialists within the workforce center.

Coordinate daily workforce development activities to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services.

Monitor workflow and staff coverage to ensure customer service needs are met.

Provide guidance, coaching, and support to staff regarding policies, procedures, systems, and service delivery.

Assist management with onboarding and training new employees.

Reinforce expectations related to performance measures, compliance, documentation, and customer service standards.

Monitor staff adherence to operational procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.

Resolve routine operational issues and customer concerns promptly and professionally.

Escalate complex customer, employer, staff, or compliance issues to leadership as appropriate.

Lead team meetings, huddles, and information-sharing activities as assigned.

Support implementation of workforce initiatives, special projects, and new program requirements.

Serve as a backup resource for staff and provide technical assistance in Work In Texas and related systems.

Employer Services Responsibilities

In addition to leadership responsibilities, perform Workforce Development Specialist duties, including:

Establish and maintain professional business relationships with employers and industry partners.

Conduct outreach to employers to identify hiring needs and workforce solutions.

Assist employers with WorkInTexas.com registration and job order management.

Recruit, screen, and refer qualified job seekers to employment opportunities.

Plan and coordinate hiring events, job fairs, and recruitment activities.

Deliver presentations to employers, community organizations, and workforce customers.

Promote workforce programs, including On-the-Job Training (OJT), Subsidized Work Experience (SWE), Transitional Jobs (TJ), and other workforce initiatives.

Conduct employer follow-up and customer satisfaction activities.

Support work-based learning opportunities and employer engagement efforts.

Compliance and Performance Accountability

Monitor case documentation, service records, and data entry activities to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Assist management in reviewing reports and tracking performance outcomes.

Support oversight of TTA, STARR, RESEA, claimant follow-up activities, and other required workforce initiatives.

Ensure timely collection and maintenance of required documentation.

Promote adherence to federal, state, and local workforce policies and procedures.

Assist with monitoring preparation, corrective actions, and quality assurance reviews.

Ensure confidentiality and security of customer information.

Team Development

Provide peer coaching and mentoring to workforce staff.

Share best practices and promote continuous improvement.

Foster teamwork, accountability, and a positive customer-focused culture.

Encourage innovation and problem-solving to improve workforce outcomes.

Other Duties

Approach each day and task with a "ZAG" mindset.

Perform other duties assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position and organizational needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, recruiting, employer engagement, case management, human resources, social services, or related field.

Minimum of one year of demonstrated leadership, mentoring, team lead, project lead, or supervisory experience preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of workforce programs, business services, and labor market information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.

Ability to effectively coordinate staff activities and prioritize competing demands.

Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

Strong customer service and conflict-resolution abilities.

Knowledge of Wagner-Peyser programs, workforce regulations, and service delivery requirements.

Ability to analyze reports, identify trends, and recommend operational improvements.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and workforce management systems.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Ability to work independently while supporting collaborative team success.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual or multilingual.

Experience with workforce center operations.

Experience conducting staff training and quality reviews.

Training in Trauma-Informed Care, evidence-based practices, or whole-family services.

Salary: $54,000-$56,000

Travel: 25% within and outside the designated worksite.

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