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

About the Role

The Career and Outreach Specialist supports participants in their career development by enhancing job readiness skills, providing guidance on resumes and job applications, and fostering relationships with employers to secure work experiences, internships, and long-term employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing individualized Career Plans to help participants achieve career goals and work toward self-sufficiency.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and support by evaluating employability and identifying barriers or assets impacting self-sufficiency.
• Utilize job coaching skills to guide participants through career development, including resume creation, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
• Communicate regularly with service providers to assess participant progress and offer counsel.
• Maintain consistent, face-to-face contact with participants to ensure they receive necessary support.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers to foster partnerships and secure work experiences, internships, and employment opportunities.
• Engage with employers to identify job openings aligned with participants' skills and interests.
• Follow up with employers to track participant progress in employment placements.
• Attend career fairs, networking events, and industry-specific events to promote participants' job readiness skills.
• Provide one-on-one job coaching, including career exploration, job search strategies, and technical support for online applications.
• Support participants in developing resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
• Collaborate with Career Navigators, state/local agencies, and community partners to provide comprehensive participant support.
• Gather feedback from service providers to identify areas for participant improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of employer interactions and participant progress.
• Prepare reports to evaluate outreach and career development effectiveness.
• Partner with local agencies, community organizations, and faith-based groups to enhance public safety and offer holistic services for returning citizens.
• Facilitate joint initiatives promoting career readiness, skill-building, and job placement for individuals transitioning back into the workforce.
• Participate in weekly staffing meetings to review participant progress and adjust job search strategies.

Requirements

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

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.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English.
• Ability to work occasional long or extended hours, including weekends.
• Ability to function in a hectic work environment with high stress.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical/Mental Demands

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