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 is a vital role within the Deep East Texas Local Workforce, aimed at providing career guidance and preparation to students in grades 5-12. This position operates with minimal supervision and requires independent decision-making authority. The primary focus is to educate and engage students, their parents, and district staff about career development, local in-demand industry sectors, and available training opportunities. 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 utilize various Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) resources to provide information on training requirements and career pathways, including pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). The Career Coach will also organize job exploration activities, career fairs, and workshops to support students and their families in making informed post-secondary decisions. The position requires collaboration with school counselors, local employers, and educational institutions to build pathways into pre-apprenticeship and RAPs. The Career Coach will develop a communication model to connect professional development services with students and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves attending training sessions and workshops to stay updated on workforce development initiatives and ensure the effective delivery of career services.

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 various career pathways through presentations, job fairs, and site visits.
• Organize job exploration and career fairs; provide career support workshops for students and parents.
• Provide classroom presentations in assigned ISDs to deliver career information and resources.
• Serve as a primary resource for labor market information for assigned ISDs.
• 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.
• 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 business leaders.
• Engage assigned school districts to establish partnerships with industry and 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 and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• 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).
• Experience 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.