MANPOWER PLANNER III - 2559300

Job Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Downstate Workforce Development Manager, performs rapid response and layoff aversion duties associated with the Workforce Investment and Trade Act Programs.  Conducts on-site meetings with employers initiating or contemplating reductions in their labor force and provides rapid response or layoff aversion services authorized by the United States Department of Labor. Organizes and conducts outreach activities to partner organizations such as local chambers, community based organizations, economic development corporations and other associated entities.

(20%)     1.   Independently performs advanced professional functions such as, conducts on-site workforce development services allowable under rapid response; initiates and oversee as described in the Illinois Rapid Response Procedure Manual.  Coordinates multi-agency efforts to address retraining and re-employment needs of workers at risk of being displaced from employment.  Response includes efforts such as; initial on-site meetings; pre-layoff workshops; planning to provide re-training and re-employment services; and assistance applying for state and federal funds and Trade Act certification.  Documents information about each event and enters required data onto OET systems.  Develops professional analysis, reports, and strategies that identify customized solutions that are based on the needs of the impacted workers.

(20%)     2.   Implements layoff aversion strategies that create seamless employment solutions for all customers.  As part of a continuum of rapidly deployed workforce development services develops strategies that help workers: retain jobs with existing employers at risk of downsizing or closing; train for new jobs with prospective employers; find employment with a new employer after a layoff.  Develops grant funding opportunities and evaluates proposals that best matches the training needs of employers and job seekers.  Assists the manager in organizing and developing guidelines that establish positive relations with employers to increase their use of Rapid Response services.  Provides professional presentations to workforce partners and businesses regarding the program and services available under the Workforce Development Division.  Coordinates and facilitates regular meetings with workforce partners to communicate forecasting strategies and develops reports to reflect those efforts.

(20%)     3.   Using information systems, reports and other related information tracks trends in demand occupations and industries related to the State’s Sector strategies.  Based on specified protocols develops and maintains an inventory of resources relevant to the sectors and industries critical to each regional economy.  Prepares material to be used at the field level which promotes and explains the functionality of layoff aversion services.  Facilitates talent transfer events through Job Fairs or targeted hiring events.

(Job Responsibilities continued)

(20%)     4.   Develops and coordinates the engagement of the full range of programs and resources of the public workforce system and effective partnerships with a wide range of organizations.  Utilizes these partnerships to enhance the value of layoff aversion strategies supported by outside resources.  Provides technical assistance in identifying and developing funding opportunities and other resources at the Federal, State and Local level to fund allowable program activities.  This assistance includes; but is not limited to, the Department’s reserve funds, dislocated worker emergency assistance grants and other allowable funding sources.  Advise various employers of OET services and programs advantageous to their business environment.

(15%)     5.   Conducts programmatic monitoring of workforce Grantees, including Rapid Response and National Emergency Grants, in cooperation with the Office of Employment and Training monitoring unit.  Travels to monitoring sites, examines compliance with grant requirements and regulations using prescribed monitoring tools.  Writes subsequent reports of findings and identifies corrective action.  Follows up with Grantees to ensure that corrective action is implemented and writes follow-up summary reports to management as assigned.

(5%)       6.   Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires three years of professional experience in Workforce Investment Act and Trade Act Programs.
• Requires ability to meet travel requirements of position.

Education Degree

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college in business or related field.