Career Coach (Workforce Career/Educational Outreach Specialist

$41,000 - $66,000/Yr

Deep East Texas Local Workforce Development Board - Lufkin, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Lufkin, TX

About the position

The Career Coach (Workforce Career/Educational Outreach Specialist) position at Deep East Texas Local Workforce is a vital role that involves providing career guidance and workforce information to students in grades 5-12, their parents, and district staff. This position requires minimal supervision and offers independent decision-making authority. The primary focus is to expose, educate, and engage students in career development and decision-making processes, particularly in local in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The Career Coach will work closely with various Independent School Districts (ISDs) and partner organizations to deliver career information and resources effectively. In this role, the Career Coach will conduct initial orientations and ongoing training for school staff to explain the resources available and the role of the Career Coach. They will provide information on training requirements and opportunities in high-demand sectors using various Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) resources. The Career Coach will also engage and train district staff on utilizing these career tools and resources, organize workshops, and facilitate job exploration and career fairs. They will serve as a primary resource for labor market information and work in coordination with school counselors and administrators to build pathways into pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). The position requires the development of a multifaceted communication and support service model to connect professional development services with students. This includes organizing annual workshops with subject-matter experts and fostering partnerships with local businesses and educational organizations. The Career Coach will also be responsible for maintaining confidentiality of students and customers while supporting various initiatives and attending training provided by TWC staff. Travel within the region is required, and limited overnight travel may be necessary for conferences and training.

Responsibilities

• Provide career guidance and workforce information regarding local in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
• Conduct initial orientation and ongoing training for school staff at participating schools.
• Provide information on opportunities and training requirements in-demand industry sectors/occupations using TWC resources.
• Engage and train district staff members on using career tools and resources.
• Organize training workshops on using TWC resources for employment and education.
• Expose individuals to a variety of career pathways through presentations, job fairs, and site visits.
• Organize job exploration and career fairs; provide career support workshops for students, parents, and guardians.
• Provide classroom presentations in assigned ISDs and partner organizations to deliver career information and resources.
• Serve as a primary resource for labor market information, including growth and high-demand occupations.
• Coordinate with local and state workforce services, employers, and educational institutions to build pathways into pre-apprenticeship and RAPs.
• Maximize availability to students through a published schedule of office hours and structured meeting times.
• Develop a multifaceted communication and support service model for connecting professional development services with students.
• Organize and collaborate on annual workshops with subject-matter experts and local organizations.
• Engage assigned school districts to establish partnerships with industry and post-secondary training providers.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships with businesses and educational organizations.
• Foster employer/ISD collaboration and encourage internship opportunities.
• Establish strong working relationships with employers for classroom presentations and industry tours.
• Coordinate with TWC program personnel for resource coordination.
• Become familiar with TWC programs such as Adult Education and Literacy, Vocational Rehabilitation, and others.
• Support activities such as state-wide initiatives and local job fairs.
• Attend monthly and annual training provided by TWC staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and customers.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in human services, business, education, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university (One year of qualifying experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of college up to a maximum of two years.)
• At least two years of experience in education, youth training, or workforce development programs.
• Strongly prefer individuals with experience in workforce development or Career and Technical Education (CTE), preferably in gathering and reporting outcomes, and/or ISD experience as a teacher or counselor working with at-risk middle or high school populations.
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in career counseling or guidance for youth.
• Familiarity with Texas Workforce Commission resources and tools.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills.
• Ability to develop interactive classroom presentations.
• Proficiency in various computer software applications.