Labor Department Unit Director

Are you looking for an opportunity where you will be able to lead staff in achieving positive outcomes and make a difference in the lives of others? If so, we invite you to discover this exceptional opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor is currently seeking to promote one (1) DOL employee to Labor Department Unit Director in the Hamden American Job Center. This is a full-time, first shift, Monday through Friday position. This opportunity is available to permanent agency employees only, who meet all of the Minimum Qualifications outlined below.

The American Job Center (AJC) system is a partnership of organizations that provide workforce assistance to job seekers and employers. This collaboration of state, regional, and local organizations works as a system to help prepare and train the workforce and offer services that help businesses and industry find talent. We offer a full complement of employment services, including career centers, recruitments, workshops and employment services for veterans. We can also assist with unemployment insurance questions.

At the DOL, we are committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy. We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as paid time off!

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Labor, who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

In the Labor Department this class is accountable for directing the planning, administration and coordination of a support unit involved with performance monitoring, employment and training grants and contracts, program automation support, program technical assistance and support, program operations and/or workforce development.

Directs staff and operations of a Connecticut Works/job center; plans, coordinates and manages comprehensive employment services programs including activities designed to expand employment opportunities, increase work readiness of applicants through counseling and/or training and make determinations regarding non-monetary unemployment insurance issues; formulates job center goals and objectives and develops policies and procedures to achieve them; monitors unit performance and develops and implements corrective action plans to address deficiencies and improve operations; interprets and administers laws and regulations relating to employment and training programs and benefits; plans, develops and administers job center budget; develops and maintains productive relationships with individuals and groups that might impact on program activities; initiates collaborative agreements with related agencies and groups to enhance employability of workforce; coordinates job center staffing actions including implementation of Affirmative Action and/or Equal Employment Opportunity goals and objectives; may direct activities of a regional unit designed to provide services to a number of designated formal service delivery areas and coordinates services with those of Work Force Development Boards; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of methods of program planning, development, monitoring and evaluation; considerable knowledge of employment problems, labor market trends, conditions and their causes; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of primary functions, policies and procedures in the areas of Unemployment Insurance, Job Service, Employment and Training and Workforce Development; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; analytical ability, negotiation skills; problem solving skills.

Nine (9) years of professional experience in Job Service, Unemployment Insurance, Workforce Development or Employment and Training programs.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory or consultative capacity at or above the level of Labor Department Programs And Services Coordinator.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's Degree.
2. A Master's degree in business management, public administration or a closely related area may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience providing verbal and written communication to a diverse population.
• Experience providing formal leadership with strategic direction. 
• Experience making business decisions and problem solving.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.