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Workforce Development Specialist Jobs in Tennessee

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Workforce Development Specialist information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$59.9K

$118.4K

How much do workforce development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development specialist in Tennessee is $59,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $77,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Specialist vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce Development SpecialistCareer Counselor
Primary FocusDeveloping workforce programs, training, and employment initiativesProviding career guidance, counseling, and job search assistance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, workforce boards, training centersEducational institutions, private counseling firms, career centers
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related fieldUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in public and nonprofit sectors focused on employment servicesCommon in educational and private career services settings

While both roles aim to assist individuals with employment and career development, a Workforce Development Specialist focuses on creating and managing programs to improve workforce skills, whereas a Career Counselor provides personalized guidance to individuals seeking career advice. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and employers find the right support for their needs.

Is workforce development a good career?

Workforce development specialists help improve employment opportunities by connecting individuals with training programs and resources. The role often requires strong communication, organizational skills, and knowledge of local labor markets, making it a stable career with opportunities for growth in public and private sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by workforce development specialists when coordinating with multiple community partners?

Workforce Development Specialists often collaborate with various community organizations, educational institutions, and employers to create effective job training and placement programs. A common challenge is aligning the goals and expectations of these diverse partners while maintaining clear communication and managing timelines. Navigating differing priorities and resource limitations can require strong negotiation and organizational skills. Building and maintaining trustful relationships is crucial for ensuring successful program outcomes and sustained partnerships.

What does a workforce development specialist do?

The duties of a workforce development specialist are to design and conduct a program to train employees and improve performance. They typically consider the organizational performance of a company as they develop this program, which includes financial performance, market performance, and shareholder return. A workforce development specialist often acts as support during the program. Qualifications to become a workforce development specialist include a bachelor's degree in human resources or a relevant field as well as industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a workforce development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Specialist, you need a background in human resources, career counseling, or education, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with workforce management systems, labor market analysis tools, and case management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills help build relationships with clients and stakeholders while effectively coordinating training initiatives. These skills ensure the successful alignment of workforce programs with employer needs and support positive employment outcomes for job seekers.
More about Workforce Development Specialist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Tennessee?

For Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Specialist jobs in TN?

For Workforce Development Specialist jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Workforce Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Specialist job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,902 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Workforce Development Specialist

Volunteers of America Mid-States

Knoxville, TN

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Workforce Development Specialist
LOCATION: Knoxville, TN
STATUS: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
PROGRAM: VOA Work
REPORTS TO: Senior Program Manager
INTRODUCTION:
Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) is a non-profit organization spanning four states that creates positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service. We provide housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors. We provide care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, healing accountability that brings people together with restorative justice, and free HIV testing and education. When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, "volunteer" referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a
commitment to a mission. Today, we are still staffed by paid, mission-driven professionals working to create positive change and build thriving communities. Flexibility, teamwork, and fun are some of the reasons our employees are proud to work at VOA! We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees who meet eligibility requirements.
BENEFITS:
Volunteers of America Mid-States, offers a rich and robust benefits package the supports a healthy work life balance, which include the following:
Health and Wellness
Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
Health and Wellness Program
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Flexible Spending Account
Health Spending Account
Short Term Disability
MetLife Legal Plans
Financial Wellbeing
Competitive Compensation Packages
Life Insurance (company paid)
403b retirement plan with company fund matching
Employee discounts
*Loan forgiveness options through federal programs
(National Health Corp amp; Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
*All company paid benefits and paid time off effective day one
Work Culture
Commitment Committee
Justice Committee
Integrity Committee
Compassion Committee
Retention Committee
Training amp; Development
VOA LEAD Program- Leadership Development Program
VOA University - Staff Development
VOA Academy - Clinical Training and Development
JOB SUMMARY AND QUALIFICATIONS:
The Workforce Development Specialist is responsible for delivering comprehensive workforce development services that assist individuals experiencing barriers to employment in obtaining, maintaining, and advancing in competitive employment. This position provides individualized career coaching, employment planning, case management, employer engagement, workforce readiness training, supportive service coordination, and employment retention services while ensuring compliance with all program requirements and funding regulations.
The Workforce Development Specialist develops strong partnerships with employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and referral agencies to expand employment opportunities and improve participant outcomes. This position plays a critical role in advancing workforce participation, increasing earned income, and supporting long-term economic self-sufficiency through participant-centered service delivery.
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE FOR THIS ROLE:
  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Business, Workforce Development, Education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in workforce development, case management, employment services, career coaching, vocational rehabilitation, or related human services.​
  • Knowledge of workforce development strategies, employment retention practices, career planning, supportive services, and community resources.
  • Experience working with individuals experiencing barriers to employment, including justice involvement, recovery, homelessness, unemployment, or other socioeconomic challenges.
  • Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and time management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participant Services
Conduct participant intake, assessments, eligibility determination, and individualized employment planning.
Develop and monitor participant employment and career advancement goals.
Provide career coaching, job readiness instruction, resume development, interviewing preparation.
Coordinate supportive services to reduce barriers to employment, including transportation, work clothing, certifications, tools, and other employment-related needs.
Maintain regular participant contact to monitor progress toward employment and career goals.
Conduct employment retention follow-up and provide continued support following placement.
Employer Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, staffing agencies, workforce partners, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Identify employment opportunities aligned with participant skills and career interests.
Coordinate hiring events, employer recruitment activities, job fairs, and workforce outreach initiatives.
Maintain ongoing communication with employers to support successful employee retention.
Outreach amp; Community Partnerships
Conduct outreach activities to recruit eligible participants and increase community awareness of program services.
Build referral partnerships with treatment providers, recovery organizations, probation and parole, educational institutions, Kentucky Career Center, housing providers, and other community partners.
Represent VOA Work at community meetings, employer events, workforce initiatives, and networking opportunities.
Documentation amp; Compliance
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case documentation within required electronic case management systems.
Complete progress notes, assessments, case plans, supportive service documentation, and employment verification within required timeframes.
Verify employment through employer contact and participant documentation.
Track participant outcomes, credential attainment, employment placements, and retention milestones.
Ensure compliance with grant requirements, agency policies, confidentiality standards, and accreditation requirements.
Participate in quality assurance reviews, monitoring activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Team Collaboration
Collaborate with Career Coaches, Program Managers, Peer Support Specialists, housing providers, and community partners to coordinate participant services.
Participate in multidisciplinary staffing meetings and case consultations.
Assist with special projects, grant initiatives, and organizational workforce development activities as assigned.
.

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