Essential
Functions:
The Community Coordinator/Career Specialist builds and
maintains strong relationships with employers, community stakeholders, and
reentry support services to promote successful reintegration and long-term
employment outcomes for participants. This position works collaboratively with
the Bayou Region Reentry Team, the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and
other partner agencies to ensure participants are engaged, supported, and
connected to opportunities. Responsibilities include coordinating day-to-day activities
such as engaging employers, facilitating community outreach, supporting
participants with job readiness and placement, organizing job and career fairs,
and maintaining accurate records of progress. The role also includes tracking
employment outcomes and submitting monthly reports to support program
evaluation and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities:
This role requires a strong
understanding of local economic and labor market trends, effective employer
outreach strategies, and knowledge of community resources and partnerships. The
position calls for excellent communication and coordination skills to engage
community stakeholders, build employer relationships, and support participants’
career development. Flexibility and experience in workforce development, case
management, or related fields are essential to successfully connect
participants with employment opportunities and facilitate their reentry into
the workforce.
1.Community
Engagement & Coordination
·Facilitate communication and coordination among
community stakeholders to support LA-PRI goals and initiatives.
·Serve as a liaison between community partners
and Probation & Parole Co-Chair to incorporate community feedback and
address concerns.
·Organize meetings, focus groups and events to
maintain effective two-way communication channels and enhance participants’
access to services and opportunities.
·Collaborate with community leaders,
stakeholders, and partners to identify local resources and overcome barriers
faced by program participants.
·Support outreach and public education
initiatives to raise awareness, foster trust, and strengthen ongoing community
partnerships that support successful reentry.
·Support IST committees, maintain meeting
records, and assist in developing and implementing the Annual Local
Comprehensive Reentry Plan.
2.Participant
Career Support
·Provide one-on-one job coaching, including
career exploration, job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace
etiquette.
·Assist participants with developing and refining
resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
·Support participants in navigating online job
applications and providing technical assistance as needed.
·Collaborate with Career Navigators, service
providers, and community partners to support participants’ employment journeys.
3.Employer
Outreach & Employment Support
·Build and maintain relationships with employers
to secure work experiences, internships, and employment opportunities.
·Actively connect participants with job openings
and employment opportunities aligned with their skills and goals.
·Attend career fairs, networking, and industry
events to promote participants and develop employer connections that lead to
job opportunities.
·Organize job and career fairs to connect
participants with local employers and expand employment opportunities.
·Verify participant employment status to ensure
accurate program documentation and support.
4.Documentation
& Reporting
·Maintain accurate records of community
engagement, employer outreach, participant progress, and employment outcomes.
·Prepare and submit a monthly report summarizing
activities, events, employment efforts, and program outcomes as assigned.
Skills
and Abilities:
1.Strong
ability to build and maintain partnerships with employers, community
organizations, and government agencies to support successful participant
outcomes.
2.Knowledge
of local labor market trends, employer needs, and effective workforce
development strategies.
3.Skilled
in participant career coaching, including job readiness, resume development,
interview preparation, and digital job search navigation.
4.Effective
facilitation and community engagement skills, including organizing job fairs,
stakeholder meetings, and outreach events.
5.Strong
organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize
multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
6.Excellent
verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to engage participants,
employers, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
7.Ability
to prepare accurate documentation, track participant progress, and generate
clear and timely reports for program evaluation.
8.Demonstrated
capacity to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality of
participant and program-related information, and resolve challenges with
professionalism.
9.Ability
to establish and maintain positive working relationships with participants,
colleagues, and partners while contributing effectively to the accomplishment
of team and program goals, objectives, and activities.
10.Ability
to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-demand
environment, including occasional evenings, weekends, or extended hours as
needed to support program events and participant needs.
Requirements:
1.Minimum
of a BA or BS degree is required, or three years of experience in organizations
involved with workforce development, criminal justice, social work, human
services, program development, records management, or sales/marketing with a
focus on employer engagement and relationship-building.
2.Excellent
oral and written communication skills.
3.Must
be proficient in operating a computer and experience with Microsoft Office
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other social media applications.
4.Must
possess valid operator's license, provide own transportation, and maintain
current vehicle registration, liability insurance and vehicle inspection.
5.Must
be able to clear DMV check.
6.Must
be able to receive authorization to provide services in assigned correctional
facilities.
7.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.
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
