Opportunity Advocate (Restricted Position) - Richmond Area

Title: Opportunity Advocate (Restricted Position) - Richmond Area

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $52,356 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Workforce Development and Advancement

Location: TELEWORK LOCATION STATEWIDE

Agency Website: VirginiaWorks.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

As a Fair Chance champion, you'll conduct outreach and deliver customized services to Second Chance individuals to increase opportunities for suitable and sustainable employment to reduce recidivism by increasing access to the workforce ecosystem.

Note: This is a restricted position scheduled to end on or about July 1, 2026. This position could be extended depending upon agency funding and continued need. The successful applicant must have and maintain a valid driver's license as extensive travel within the service area (Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield) is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong customer service, case management, organizational, and computer skills (MS Office or comparable application).
• 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.

Additional Considerations

• 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.

Special Instructions

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.

This is a restricted position scheduled to end on or about July 1, 2026. This position could be extended depending upon agency funding and continued need. The successful applicant must have and maintain a valid driver's license as extensive travel within the service area (Norton/Wise) is required.

Virginia Works (DWDA) is committed to upholding our values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities.

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.

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. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

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.

Contact Information

Name: VEC Shared Services Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: Careers@vec.virginia.gov for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. 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.