STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Labor Department Community Services Representative

Hybrid

Recruitment #260504-5246SH-001

Introduction



The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) - Apprenticeship Unit - is recruiting a Labor Department Community Services Representative located in Wethersfield, CT. 

About Us:
The Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in a constantly evolving 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.

The Role:
  • Assist apprenticeship staff with day to day unit operational activities necessary to provide optimal service delivery, achieve positive objective goal outcomes, and assist in lean exercises for continuous improvement.
  • Assist in collaboration with CTDOL and USDOL staff, for implementing unit and employer policy and procedure reform to current required standards of compliance with CFR 29.29 and 30, program review, affirmative action and EEO/DEI compliance.
  • Assisting the unit director, PS&C, and Operations Coordinator with planning, coordination and administration of multiple Federal and State apprenticeship grant program activity duties including, but not limited to, innovative program development, implementation, reporting, monitoring, compliance of existing and correlated registered apprenticeship programs and initiatives.
  • Assisting with apprenticeship database enhancement and maintenance ability, unit system automation development and administrative oversight of units data collection, participant tracking, data reporting and distribute reports as directed.
  • Assist with unit processing tasks and support activities and procedures for unit staff as directed.
  • Assist in providing technical assistance to Registered Apprenticeship employer sponsors and unit staff to conform with recently enacted and current registered apprenticeship federal and state statute, policies and regulations.
  • Assist lead unit consultant for, but not limited to, various other agencies, Workforce Development Board partners, Community Based Organizations, registered apprenticeship employer associations, certification and licensing partners and boards, and education providers regarding program scope, credential issuance and facilitating innovative program development and implementation.
  • Registration and data collection/reporting of all apprentices and programs as assigned by unit director.
  • Assist in developing deliverable timelines, detect issues within programs, present remediation solutions to complex issues, analyze and continually assess progress of program development for achievement of agency goals.
  • Assist in the administration and submittal of all program activity and monitoring as required inclusive of Quarterly Program Narrative reports and program detail report submissions utilizing the federal Participant Individual Record Layout (PIRL) reporting data system.
  • Assist staff in utilizing required automated reporting systems to meet federal detailed reporting requirements by collecting, collating, and managing data elements for apprenticeship specific activity and entry into our case management system (CTHires) and review for accuracy
  • Assist Unit Director with development and application of policy to conform with agency programs and goals, improvement of administrative and operating procedures, develop multiple innovative Registered Apprenticeship programs and design of significant changes in operating systems including, but not limited to; internal Access database, module for federal reporting system and data elements for programs.
  • Assist the CTDOL in administrative communications with designated ETA Federal Project Officer (FPO), ETA Grant Officer and the National Apprenticeship program, and affiliated apprenticeship partners weekly/monthly/quarterly conference calls, meetings, and webinars.
  • Manage data for program participants utilizing internal Access database and Excel workbooks
  • Monitor contracts, programs, and case files to ensure policy and procedural compliance
  • Assist, facilitate and/or participate with OAT Director/staff in meetings for both DOL and partner organizations
  • Assist in initiatives to promote, schedule, and collaborate with OAT Coordinator and others on marketing of Registered Apprenticeship Program to a variety of organizations; including but not limited to faith-based, community-based, education, as well as other state agencies
  • Conduct outreach (virtually & in person) with FBO’s, CBO’s, Adult Ed and other organizations to raise awareness of Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities
What’s In It For You:
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career and make an impaCT!

Career progression within the State of Connecticut: starting with Connecticut Careers Trainee (Social and Human Services), advancing to Labor Department Community Services Representative, then Labor Department Associate Community Services Representative, then Labor Department Resource Associate, and ending at Labor Department Program and Services Coordinator.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at rocky.young@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Labor this class is accountable for providing client services in the areas of unemployment insurance, assessment of clients needs, placement of workers and employer services; in a Central Unit this class is accountable for performing basic technical tasks in the following functional areas: claims examination, benefit payment control and merit rating.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

CENTRAL UNIT:
  • Performs basic technical tasks within operational support functional areas of claims examination, benefit payment control and merit rating;
  • Reviews employer protest to unemployment insurance benefit charges, researches issues and makes initial charge/non-charge decisions;
  • Audits and recalculates employer tax rates based on protest determinations;
  • Participates in compilation and dissemination of quarterly and annual employer accounts statements;
  • Conducts fraud audits by reviewing quarterly cross match reports and automated files;
  • Obtains information needed to verify overpayments;
  • Calculates overpayment(s) amounts including penalties;
  • Reviews, analyzes and corrects claims under a variety of special programs including military, federal, out of state or multistate claims and claims involving reduced hours, pensions, child support or shared work;
  • Obtains and verifies data;
  • Applies federal and/or state laws and guidelines to make monetary determinations and other disposition of claims;
  • Reviews and processes special program claim appeals;
  • Corresponds with employers, claimants and their representatives on variety of matters;
  • Provides technical support to local offices in pertinent areas;
  • Creates, updates and maintains case management files;
  • Maintains records and prepares reports;
  • May collect overpayments as assigned;
  • Performs related duties as required.
FIELD UNIT:
  • Serves as a front-line service provider for all services necessary for determination of monetary eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits;
  • Reviews benefit application and secures additional data needed;
  • Analyzes work history to determine appropriate benefit program;
  • Assesses need for non-monetary hearing based on reason for separation or any barriers to employability;
  • Makes appropriate adjustments to system wage file or refers to a field auditor as needed;
  • Processes adjustments to claims, investigates and resolves held claims and exceptions;
  • Provides information, referral, assessment, eligibility determinations and certification for all job service and employment and training programs;
  • Determines barriers to employment;
  • Assesses needs and refers client to employment counseling, training, employment planning or other support services;
  • Develops job opportunities for clients whose skills do not match current listings;
  • Periodically assesses continuing eligibility;
  • Assists in developing work search plan;
  • Customizes and conducts job search and vocational exploration workshops;
  • Works with employers to seek, place and follow up on workers with appropriate skills;
  • Provides services, including outreach services, to specialized client groups as assigned;
  • Provides and explains information on programs, procedures, policies, laws and regulations to clients, employers and others as appropriate;
  • May assist in training new or lower-level staff;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • job service, unemployment insurance and employment and training laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
    • interviewing techniques and principles;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • analytical skills;
  • Ability to
    • make decisions;
    • establish cooperative relationships with staff, employers, diverse client population and the public;
    • use automated systems;
    • maintain good public relations;
    • understand, apply and explain relevant laws, regulations, policies, programs and procedures;
    • create and maintain case management records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of technical level experience in counseling, employment placement, veterans employment and training support services, public contact work, human service programs, community action programs, job service, unemployment insurance or employment and training functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • For state employees two (2) years of experience as a Social Services Trainee with the target class of Labor Department Community Services Representative may be substituted for the General Experience.
  • For state employees two (2) years of experience as an Employment Security Intermittent Interviewer may be substituted for the General Experience.
  • Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience providing support to staff and assistance to customers.
  • Experience working in a government regulated environment interpreting workforce development regulations and State and Federal guidelines.
  • Experience with data query collection and reporting.
  • Experience with workforce program development, evaluation, and/or remediation.
  • Experience utilizing social media platforms to market and to promote programs.
  • Experience working with the E-license system.
  • Experience reviewing and reconciling invoices and supporting documents.
  • Experience partnering with state agencies, workforce boards, and education systems for workforce development initiatives.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite 10 such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class assigned to veterans program positions will be required to meet the qualifications set forth in Title 38, i.e. must be veterans, preferably disabled veterans, or other qualified, eligible persons. Any employee who bumps a Labor Department Community Service Representative in a veterans program position must meet the eligibility requirements under Title 38.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.



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