Career and Outreach Specialist-Workforce Services (Houma, LA)

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana; Houma (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana is seeking a Career and Outreach Specialist to support participants in advancing their career goals. You will mentor, assess employability barriers, and guide job searches while building relationships with employers and service partners.

You will also coach resume development, interview prep, and online applications, with a focus on preparing participants for meaningful work experiences and long-term employment opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of BA or BS degree is required and one-year experience in criminal justice, social work, employment counseling, placement, human services, or public administration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software for documentation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of individualized Career Plans to help participants achieve their career goals and work toward self-sufficiency.
• Provide one-on-one job coaching to participants, offering guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
• Support participants in developing and refining their resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles to make them competitive candidates in the job market.
• Assist participants in navigating online job application platforms and offer technical support where needed to ensure successful application submissions.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, networking at job fairs, and collaborating with partner organizations to secure internships and employment opportunities.
• Regularly engage with service providers to assess participants' progress in securing and maintaining employment.
• Document participant progress using case notes and align with program tracking systems.
• Prepare reports to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach and career development efforts.

Skills

Communication skills

Job readiness training

Resume coaching

Networking

Knowledge of local labor markets

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Workload management under pressure

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Essential Functions:

Assist in the implementation of individualized Career Plans to help participants achieve their career goals and work toward self-sufficiency. Provide ongoing mentoring and support to participants by evaluating employability and identifying key barriers or assets that impact their self-sufficiency. Utilize job coaching skills to guide participants through the career development process. Communicate regularly with service providers to assess participant progress and offer counsel and guidance. Maintain consistent, face-to-face contact with participants to ensure they receive the support needed to succeed.

Responsibilities:

The Career and Outreach Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting participants in their career development by enhancing their job readiness skills, providing guidance on creating effective resumes, and assisting in navigating online job applications. This career specialist responsible for building and maintaining relationships with employers, networking at job fairs, and working closely with partner organizations to help participants secure meaningful work experiences, internships, and long-term employment opportunities.

• Employer Outreach and Relationship Building:
• Meet with employers to foster partnerships and encourage their commitment to offering work experience, internships, and both transitional and long-term employment opportunities for program participants.
• Engage with employers to identify job openings that align with the skills and interests of program participants, advocating for their potential as valuable employees.
• Follow up regularly with employers to track participant progress in employment placements and ensure that job expectations are being met.
• Networking and Event Participation:
• Attend career and job fairs, networking events, and industry-specific events to increase the visibility of program participants and promote their job readiness skills.
• Actively engage with industry professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers at these events to build relationships and create new employment opportunities for program participants.
• Job Coaching and Participant Support:
• Provide one-on-one job coaching to participants, offering guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
• Support participants in developing and refining their resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles to make them competitive candidates in the job market.
• Assist participants in navigating online job application platforms and offer technical support where needed to ensure successful application submissions.
• Collaboration with Service Providers:
• Regularly engage with service providers to assess participants' progress in securing and maintaining employment.
• Work closely with Career Navigators, state and local agencies, and community partners to share insights and provide comprehensive support to participants.
• Gather feedback from service providers to help identify areas of improvement or further development for program participants in their employment journey.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of interactions with employers, including dates, topics discussed, and any follow-up actions required.
• Document participant progress using case notes, including employment outcomes, barriers, and successes, in alignment with program tracking systems.
• Prepare reports as necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach and career development efforts.
• Collaboration with Partner Agencies:
• Partners with local agencies, community organizations, and faith-based groups to enhance public safety and offer holistic services for returning citizens.
• Facilitate joint initiatives that promote career readiness, skill-building, and successful job placement for individuals transitioning back into the workforce.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations to support participants in overcoming challenges related to employment barriers.
• Weekly Staffing and Progress Review:
• Actively participate in weekly staffing meetings with Career Navigators to review the status of participants referred to the Career and Outreach Specialist.
• Provide updates on the progress of employment search efforts, including successful placements, challenges, and next steps.
• Collaborate with the team to adjust and refine job search strategies based on participant needs and feedback.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver job readiness training and workshops.
• Familiarity with online job application platforms and resume-building tools.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including returning citizens or individuals with barriers to employment.
• Knowledge of local labor markets, industries, and employers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English.
• Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hours, including weekends.
• Must be able to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with confidentiality and professionalism.

Requirements:

• Minimum of BA or BS degree is required and one-year experience in criminal justice, social work, employment counseling, placement, human services, or public administration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software for documentation and communication.
• Must provide own transportation.
• Must be able to clear DMV check.
• Must possess valid operator's license and maintain current vehicle registration, liability insurance and vehicle inspection.
• Must be ambulatory.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Must be able to tolerate frequent periods of high stress, heavy workload and multiple priorities.
• Must be able to see, hear, speak and otherwise communicate effectively.