Title: Opportunity Advocate (Norfolk & Harrisonburg) #T0002
State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I
Hiring Range: $22.00 - $26.00/Hr
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Department of Workforce Development and Advancement
Location: Mobile Worker
Agency Website: https://www.virginiaworks.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
This recruitment will fill two hourly Opportunity Advocate positions: one in
Norfolk, Virginia, and one in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The Opportunity Advocate serves as a Fair Chance champion by conducting outreach
and delivering customized services to second chance (SC) and justice-involved
individuals and employers. Increase employment opportunities, reduce recidivism,
and expand access to the workforce ecosystem. Collaborate with Department of
Corrections (DOC), One-Stop staff, and community partners to implement workforce
development initiatives. Promote agency services to employers, conduct outreach
and training, make presentations, and participate in boards, committees, and
events. Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements and meet
performance outcomes.
This position is designated as a mobile worker role and involves travel across
the Commonwealth to deliver services to workforce centers. Overnight or extended
travel may be required based on the business need.
This is an hourly position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours during
the 12-month period of May 1 – April 30, regardless of the hire date. The hourly
employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. This hourly position
offers no state benefits.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated knowledge of related community resources; general employment
issues, trends and business practices; counseling and parole services; workforce
services systems; relevant compliant procedures and enforcement agencies; and
re-employment, re-entry and recidivism programs. Demonstrated knowledge of
strong customer service, case management, organizational, and computer skills
(MS Office or comparable application). Demonstrated ability to communicate
effectively both orally and in writing (e.g., make presentations, exchange
information with clients and partners, and prepare reports and training
materials); interpret and follow established laws, policies, and procedures;
work with clients in crisis to identify needs, enhance employable skills, and
obtain and retain suitable employment; work independently; remain objective,
non-judgmental and focused; meet deadlines; and prepare and manage cases and
records.
Additional Considerations
Knowledge of available services, benefits, and protections afforded to SC
individuals through the Employment Service (ES) and the broader workforce
development system. Knowledge of WIOA, 20 CFR 653.107, Wagner-Peyser, and Fair
Chance and/or other related recidivism programs. Familiarity with the unique
needs and barriers faced by SC individuals and available services. Bilingual
communication skills (e.g., Spanish) along with an understanding and respect for
the cultural backgrounds of this population.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or
résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your
account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans certified employer. AmeriCorps,
Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply and
receive preference in the hiring process.
The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check
including an FBI fingerprint background investigation.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this
website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will
not be accepted.
Applications are not accepted after the recruitment closing date.
Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location
of the position and the posted salary before applying. DWDA does not provide
relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted
salary range / flat rate.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the
application (and/or resume).
You must ensure your application/resume includes the scope of your experience,
knowledge, skills, and abilities as it relates to the position you are applying
for. Information not stated will not be assumed.
This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is
submitted for consideration.
For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your
Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.
The DWDA does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen
or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to
work in the US.
NOTICE: DWDA will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9
(Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to
confirm identity and work authorization.
Virginia Works (Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) is
an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available
upon request to individuals with disabilities. Language assistance services are
available and free of charge. TTY/Virginia Relay 711
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening
Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the
Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth
of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state
application and/or résumé.
This is an hourly position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours during
the 12-month period of May 1 – April 30, regardless of the hire date. The hourly
employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. This hourly position
offers no state benefits.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your
Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.
Email: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your
Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging
individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative
Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to
provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging &
Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision
Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran
status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to
DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP
Letter [https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx] or by calling
DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI
dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as
applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.