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Workforce Development Specialist Jobs in Virginia

$53K - $83K/yr

Workforce Development Specialist (Reentry Career Specialist): #01383 Apply now Job no: 5109178 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Grayson, Virginia Categories: Health and Human Services Title:

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Workforce Development Specialist information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$65.4K

$129.4K

How much do workforce development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development specialist in Virginia is $65,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $84,800.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Virginia? For Workforce Development Specialist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Workforce Development Specialist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Workforce Development Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,433 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Workforce Development Specialist (Reentry Career Specialist): #01383

State of Virginia

On-site

$53K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Workforce Development Specialist (Reentry Career Specialist): #01383

Apply now Job no: 5109178
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Grayson, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Workforce Development Specialist (Reentry Career Specialist): #01383

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $53,490 - $83,446

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: River North Corr Center

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position will be assigned to River North Correctional Center and Marion Correctional Treatment Center.
To promote public safety and reduce recidivism by preparing offenders for success through a continuum of services and supervision, in collaboration with state and local partners, from the time the inmate's entry into prison through their transition and reintegration into the community.
Facilitates workforce development experiences to prepare incarcerated inmates for
reentry employment. Administers and interprets career-related assessments. Works directly with inmates to promote their employability, which greatly contributes to successful reentry upon release to the community. Develops, delivers and coordinates programming for inmates related to employability, money management skills, and career growth. Coordinates job/resource fairs, mock interview events, career fairs, and similar
experiences on-site at the facility. Operates a Reentry Employment and Resource Center. Collaborates with community agencies and organizations and provides interagency service coordination and employer outreach. Collaborates in the integration of workforce development programming into the treatment/re-entry mission of the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in facilitating experiential learning for adults. Demonstrated experience in making effective presentations to diverse audiences, including classroom participants, community agencies, other government agencies, and employers. Demonstrated experience in coaching others on employment, interviewing skills, resume development, job search strategies and utilizing job search tools. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to develop partnerships between service agencies, employers, and offenders. Experience using evidence-based cognitive-behavioral, social learning, cognitive restructuring and/or other behavioral change approaches with clients or students.

Additional Considerations

Working experience as workforce development professional providing employability services to clients. Experience administering and interpreting formal and information assessments of career interest, aptitude and values. Professional certification in a relevant counseling discipline or human services field. Must possess or be eligible to apply for Global Career Development Facilitator credential issued by the Center for Credentialing and Education (www.cdf-global.org)

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or resume for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or resume.
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 resume. VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-641-9840

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

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.

Advertised: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 21 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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