The Opportunity
The
Career Readiness Specialist
plays a mission‑critical role in preparing individuals from underserved backgrounds to return to the workforce quickly and successfully. This role focuses on reducing barriers to employment and accelerating career readiness by delivering high‑impact services that meet students where they are—and move them forward. Through motivational interviewing, structured coaching, workshops, and intensive wraparound support, the Career Readiness Specialist helps learners build confidence, develop job readiness skills, and maintain momentum toward training and employment.
Key Responsibilities Career Readiness and Direct Student Support
Conduct one‑on‑one workforce readiness assessments to identify employment barriers, strengths, and career goals
Use motivational interviewing to guide participants in building actionable job‑search and training plans
Deliver and facilitate workforce readiness workshops focused on resumes, interview preparation, workplace expectations, communication, and professional behavior
Provide direct connections to job training, hiring fairs, employer interviews, and work‑based learning opportunities
Coordinate barrier‑reduction supports such as transportation, childcare, and housing navigation to prevent employment disruptions
Maintain close weekly follow‑ups with students until they enter training or secure employment and demonstrate stability
Track and report progress using CRM tools such as Salesforce and other required systems
Enrollment Events, Community Outreach and Mission Reach
Attend and support in‑person community events to increase enrollment, strengthen recruitment pipelines, and expand Skilled US visibility
Serve as a frontline representative of Skilled US at outreach events, partner sites, and community meetings
Support enrollment conversion by assisting prospective participants with next steps, documentation, and intake scheduling
Build relationships with community organizations, referral partners, and workforce stakeholders to strengthen access and engagement
Employer and Partner Coordination
Partner with training providers and employers to ensure job readiness alignment and credential match
Monitor placement, credential attainment, and retention outcomes to ensure performance targets are met
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to expand job access and provide holistic support
Advocate for participant needs through systems‑level conversations and cross‑sector planning
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field
2 years of experience in workforce development, case management, coaching, or employment support
Strong familiarity with the job market, training pathways, and employer expectations
Proficiency with documentation systems and CRM tools such as Salesforce
Experience supporting adults facing barriers such as justice involvement, housing instability, or limited literacy
Motivational interviewing or employment coaching experience strongly preferred
Bilingual skills are a plus
Work Location
This is an in‑person position based at Skilled US, requiring regular face‑to‑face engagement with participants, staff, employers, and community partners. Evening or occasional weekend availability may be required to support outreach, recruitment, and community events
About Skilled US At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full‑service, brick‑and‑mortar adult education campus that combines high‑quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student‑first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast‑paced, mission‑driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.
PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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Career Readiness Specialist
plays a mission‑critical role in preparing individuals from underserved backgrounds to return to the workforce quickly and successfully. This role focuses on reducing barriers to employment and accelerating career readiness by delivering high‑impact services that meet students where they are—and move them forward. Through motivational interviewing, structured coaching, workshops, and intensive wraparound support, the Career Readiness Specialist helps learners build confidence, develop job readiness skills, and maintain momentum toward training and employment.
Key Responsibilities Career Readiness and Direct Student Support
Conduct one‑on‑one workforce readiness assessments to identify employment barriers, strengths, and career goals
Use motivational interviewing to guide participants in building actionable job‑search and training plans
Deliver and facilitate workforce readiness workshops focused on resumes, interview preparation, workplace expectations, communication, and professional behavior
Provide direct connections to job training, hiring fairs, employer interviews, and work‑based learning opportunities
Coordinate barrier‑reduction supports such as transportation, childcare, and housing navigation to prevent employment disruptions
Maintain close weekly follow‑ups with students until they enter training or secure employment and demonstrate stability
Track and report progress using CRM tools such as Salesforce and other required systems
Enrollment Events, Community Outreach and Mission Reach
Attend and support in‑person community events to increase enrollment, strengthen recruitment pipelines, and expand Skilled US visibility
Serve as a frontline representative of Skilled US at outreach events, partner sites, and community meetings
Support enrollment conversion by assisting prospective participants with next steps, documentation, and intake scheduling
Build relationships with community organizations, referral partners, and workforce stakeholders to strengthen access and engagement
Employer and Partner Coordination
Partner with training providers and employers to ensure job readiness alignment and credential match
Monitor placement, credential attainment, and retention outcomes to ensure performance targets are met
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to expand job access and provide holistic support
Advocate for participant needs through systems‑level conversations and cross‑sector planning
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field
2 years of experience in workforce development, case management, coaching, or employment support
Strong familiarity with the job market, training pathways, and employer expectations
Proficiency with documentation systems and CRM tools such as Salesforce
Experience supporting adults facing barriers such as justice involvement, housing instability, or limited literacy
Motivational interviewing or employment coaching experience strongly preferred
Bilingual skills are a plus
Work Location
This is an in‑person position based at Skilled US, requiring regular face‑to‑face engagement with participants, staff, employers, and community partners. Evening or occasional weekend availability may be required to support outreach, recruitment, and community events
About Skilled US At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full‑service, brick‑and‑mortar adult education campus that combines high‑quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student‑first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast‑paced, mission‑driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.
PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr