Career Planner (Rockford)

Position Title: Career Planner (Rockford)
Department: Dislocated Worker Program (WOD)
Division: Workforce Development (WOD)
Employee Status: Full-time (Grant Funded – Funded through June 2026)
Type: Professional Staff Association (PSA)
Grade: L
Salary: ($56,771 - $61,703 annually)
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Location: Rockford
FLSA: Exempt
Application Deadline: November 7th, 2025
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Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Director of Enrolled Services
Supervision Exercised: Supervision may be exercised over temporary support staff and student workers.

Job Summary:
This position will counsel program participants as they enter Title 1B and Trade programs and provide case management on an on-going basis. Coordinate, develop and assist with assigned services, records, reports and program development. Work collaboratively with program and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Additional related duties may be assigned.
1. Counsel participants as they enter the program and provide case management on an ongoing basis.
2. Become familiar with community social service agencies, make appropriate resource referrals, provide follow-up services and track outcomes.
3. Coordinate eligibility, secure required documentation, maintain participant file and conduct file reviews.
4. Develop participant’s individualized employment plans, document updates and participate in case staffing’s.
5. Assess program participant needs and provide guidance and assistance with their training and employment goals.
6. Increase access for customers by providing services throughout the region.
7. Being knowledgeable of local employment needs, provide job opportunities to customers, connecting them with Business Service Representatives.
8. Remain familiar with local, state and federal policies and procedures.
9. Maintain confidentiality and protect customers Personal Identifying Information (PII) as required by law.
10. Become familiar with the regions training institutions and confer with Faculty and staff in the planning and development of training options.
11. Coordinate, develop and assist with assigned services, records, reports and program development.
12. Run IWDS reports and maintain customer contacts, case notes and related job requirements.
13. Assist with special projects, grants, marketing and training programs.
14. Assist with testing and assessments as needed, utilize available resources, assessments and career exploration tools.
15. Participate in committees and planning and evaluation sessions with other program staff.
16. Work in collaboration with partner programs and participate in cross-training as necessary.
17. Attend professional development training opportunities and participate in conferences and workshops as they relate to job duties.
18. Show flexibility and tolerance in dealing with persons from disadvantaged social, economic and educational backgrounds.
19. Maintain professionalism, using tact and courtesy to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.
20. Regular attendance is required.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, sociology, social work or a related area OR a Bachelor’s Degree with related work experience. Desired qualifications:
1. Master’s Degree.
2. Experience in counseling and testing adults in educational program is desired.
3. Experience in working with private industry in the community.
4. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting.

Physical Demands
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.