Title: Opportunity Advocate (Harrisonburg) #T0003
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
This recruitment will fill an hourly Opportunity Advocate position 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
