Employment Specialist

Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to train, educate and prepare women for transformative careers in the construction industry. Under the direction of the Director of Operations, the Career Services Specialist serves as the primary liaison between WINTER graduates, registered apprenticeship programs, labor unions, contractors, employers, and community partners. This position is responsible for developing employment opportunities, preparing participants for successful entry into union apprenticeship careers, tracking employment outcomes, and ensuring long-term retention and advancement. We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable professional with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for helping women achieve meaningful careers in the skilled trades. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in job placement, employer engagement and passion for helping women gain access to meaningful employment. RESPONSIBILITIES I: JOB PLACEMENT & EMPLOYER RELATIONS As appropriate, conduct regular employer visits As appropriate, attend apprenticeship coordinator meetings Participate in union recruitment events Identify future workforce needs Recruit new contractor partners II: CAREER COACHING & JOB READINESS Develop individualized employment plans that incorporate career pathway planning, financial readiness, goal setting, and job search strategies. Develop and coordinate WINTER's mock interview program, including creating interview materials, recruiting volunteer interviewers, and facilitating a minimum of three (3) mock interview sessions for each cohort. Coach participants in workplace professionalism, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and customer service to improve employment readiness and long-term retention. Provide individualized apprenticeship application assistance, guiding participants through eligibility requirements, application completion, documentation preparation, and submission deadlines for registered apprenticeship programs. Prepare participants for apprenticeship entrance examinations by assessing readiness, providing study resources, facilitating test preparation activities, and connecting participants with additional academic support as needed. Deliver reading comprehension support to strengthen participants' ability to interpret construction-related documents, apprenticeship applications, safety materials, technical manuals, and employment communications required for success in the skilled trades. Coach participants in essential workplace soft skills, including professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, accountability, customer service, and workplace professionalism to improve employment readiness and long-term retention. Provide workplace conflict resolution coaching by helping participants develop effective communication, conflict management, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills to successfully navigate workplace challenges and maintain positive relationships with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and apprenticeship personnel. III: POST-PLACEMENT SUPPORT Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) for each participant. Conduct 30-, 60-, 90-, 180-, and 365-day follow-up contacts to monitor employment retention and provide ongoing support. Track participant wage progression, promotions, and apprenticeship advancement for program evaluation and grant reporting. Refer participants to Resource Navigation and supportive services when barriers to employment or retention are identified. Provide early intervention and coaching to participants experiencing workplace challenges that may affect retention. IV: DATA TRACKING & REPORTING Maintain accurate records of job placements, follow-ups, and employment outcomes for reporting and program evaluation. Track and report on key metrics, including; placements, wages, starting wage, union affiliation, apprentice level, retention, promotions, supportive services utilization, employer engagement, follow-up contacts, credential attainment, and grant deliverables. Collaborate with the data team to ensure that placement data is recorded and reported in compliance with organizational and funding requirements. V: COLLABORATION & PROGRAM SUPPORT Collaborate with Resource Navigation staff to ensure participants receive timely supportive services that reduce employment barriers and promote successful apprenticeship retention. Refer participants for childcare, transportation, housing, mental health, legal aid, and financial assistance, and other supportive services. Monitor barriers to employment. VI: OUTREACH Attend career fairs. Represent WINTER at workforce events. Present to contractors and unions. Participate in graduation events. Develop employer marketing materials. Assist with alumni engagement. QUALIFICATIONS I: EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Human Services, Social Services, Business, Education, Communication, Public Administration or related disciplines. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in job placement, workforce development, or career counseling. Registered Apprenticeship programs Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs Building and Construction Trades II: SKILLS Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Proven ability to build relationships with employers and community stakeholders. Experience with resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt strategies to fit the unique needs of each participant. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). III: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE Registered Apprenticeship Equal employment opportunity Adult learning principles Employment law basics Career counseling techniques IV: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Frequent sitting and computer work. Ability to travel throughout Southern California. Lift up to 25 pounds. Attend evening and weekend events as needed. Valid California driver's license and access to reliable transportation. V: PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Passion for gender equity and empowerment through employment. Strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Highly organized, proactive, and results-oriented with the ability to work independently. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. WORKING ENVIRONMENT The working environments for this role are professional office setting, and outdoor community spaces. #J-18808-Ljbffr