Career Readiness Specialist

The Opportunity The Career Readiness Specialist plays a mission‑critical role in preparing individuals from underserved backgrounds to return to the workforce quickly and successfully. This role is focused on reducing barriers to employment and accelerating career readiness by delivering high‑impact services that meet students where they are—and move them forward. Through motivational interviewing, structured coaching, workshops, and intensive wraparound support, the Career Readiness Specialist helps learners build confidence, develop job readiness skills, and maintain momentum toward training and employment. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to helping adults re‑enter the workforce with clarity, stability, and a strong support system. You will work directly with individuals impacted by poverty, justice involvement, limited education, and other challenges that prevent them from accessing and retaining good jobs. This role also represents Skilled US in the community, helping build trust, increase enrollment, and expand our mission reach. Key Responsibilities Conduct one‑on‑one workforce readiness assessments to identify employment barriers, strengths, and career goals. Use motivational interviewing to guide participants in building actionable job search and training plans. Deliver and facilitate workforce readiness workshops focused on resumes, interview preparation, workplace expectations, communication, and professional behavior. Provide direct connections to job training, hiring fairs, employer interviews, and work‑based learning opportunities. Coordinate barrier‑reduction supports such as transportation, childcare, and housing navigation to prevent employment disruptions. Maintain close weekly follow‑ups with students until they enter training or secure employment and demonstrate stability. Track and report progress using CRM tools such as Salesforce and other required systems. Enrollment Events, Community Outreach and Mission Reach Attend and support in‑person community events to increase enrollment, strengthen recruitment pipelines, and expand Skilled US visibility. Serve as a frontline representative of Skilled US at outreach events, partner sites, and community meetings. Support enrollment conversion by assisting prospective participants with next steps, documentation, and intake scheduling. Build relationships with community organizations, referral partners, and workforce stakeholders to strengthen access and engagement. Employer and Partner Coordination Partner with training providers and employers to ensure job readiness alignment and credential match. Monitor placement, credential attainment, and retention outcomes to ensure performance targets are met. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to expand job access and provide holistic support. Advocate for participant needs through systems‑level conversations and cross‑sector planning. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field. 3 years of experience in workforce development, case management, coaching, or employment support. Strong familiarity with the job market, training pathways, and employer expectations. Proficiency with documentation systems and CRM tools such as Salesforce. Experience supporting adults facing barriers such as justice involvement, housing instability, or limited literacy. Motivational interviewing or employment coaching experience strongly preferred. Bilingual skills are a plus. Work Location This is an in‑person position based at Skilled US, requiring regular face‑to‑face engagement with participants, staff, employers, and community partners. Evening or occasional weekend availability may be required to support outreach, recruitment, and community events. About Skilled US At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full‑service, brick‑and‑mortar adult education campus that combines high‑quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student‑first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast‑paced, mission‑driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands. PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service. #J-18808-Ljbffr Phalen Leadership Academies