Workforce Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Catholic Charities is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and results-oriented Workforce Development Specialist to support clients participating in our Housing Programs . This position plays a critical role in promoting economic mobility, self-sufficiency, and long-term housing stability by providing employment-focused case management, career coaching, workforce development services, and employer engagement.

What We're Looking For:

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, and skilled at helping individuals overcome barriers to employment . They should have experience in workforce development, employment services, case management, or a related field, along with strong communication, coaching, documentation, and community partnership skills. A successful candidate will be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, engaging with employers and service providers, and supporting participants from initial assessment through job placement and continued employment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to empowering individuals and families to achieve economic self-sufficiency, housing stability, and long-term success.

• A motivated and client-centered professional with experience in workforce development, employment services, career coaching, or case management.
• Strong ability to build relationships with clients, employers, training providers, and community partners.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of employment resources, workforce development programs, and community support services.
• Commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing barriers to employment, housing instability, poverty, behavioral health challenges, and other life challenges.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct workforce assessments to evaluate participants' employment history, skills, interests, strengths, and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment and career advancement plans that support long-term housing stability and economic self-sufficiency.
• Provide career coaching, job readiness training, and employment counseling.
• Assist participants with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
• Connect participants with vocational training programs, certification opportunities, apprenticeships, educational programs, and workforce development resources.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Identify job placement opportunities and support successful participant employment outcomes.
• Assist participants in addressing barriers to employment, including transportation, childcare, identification, technology access, and work attire.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and support to promote job retention, career advancement, and increased income.
• Collaborate closely with Housing Case Managers and other program staff to coordinate services and support participant goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, participant records, and employment outcome documentation.
• Track participant progress toward employment, income, self-sufficiency, and housing stability goals.
• Assist with outcome tracking, grant reporting requirements, and program performance measures.
• Participate in community outreach events, employer engagement activities, workforce development initiatives, and team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, program, and agency information.
• Respond appropriately and respectfully to the cultural differences present among the Agency's service population.
• Incorporate and demonstrate the mission, vision, core values, and activities of Catholic Charities in a positive and professional manner with staff, clients, community partners, and the general public.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications Required

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in workforce development, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, human services, case management, or a related field required.
• • Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, behavioral health challenges, or substance use disorders preferred.
  • Experience developing employer partnerships and coordinating community resources preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse clients, employers, staff, and community partners.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic case management or database systems.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of workforce development systems, employment trends, and community resources preferred.
• Education: No college degree is required. A bachelor's degree in Workforce Development, Human Services, Social Work, Business, Education, or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience in workforce development, employment services, career coaching, case management, or a related area may be substituted for formal education.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations, workforce development programs, housing services, or human services environments is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Primary work location is the Catholic Charities Housing Department with regular community-based work throughout Bernalillo County.
• Travel is required for employer meetings, workforce events, community partner meetings, client appointments, training providers, and outreach activities.
• Estimated local travel is approximately 20–30% of work time.
• Limited remote work may be approved based on agency policy and operational needs.