Workforce Pathways Specialist

Workforce Pathways Specialist

Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations. Skill Up Overview: The Skill Up: Career, Technical and Workforce Training, and Employment Services Initiative (Skill Up) is a program developed by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and managed by Commonwealth Corporation to deliver high-quality career development, technical training and workforce programming and services that are aligned with local labor market needs within or across the five DYS geographic regions in Massachusetts.

Position Overview: The Workforce Pathways Specialist team is responsible for connecting DYS youth to meaningful career, vocational, training, and employment opportunities, meeting youth where they are at and include everything from early job exploration to apprenticeships and credential-bearing programs. These roles integrate employer engagement, subsidized employment coordination, and development of awareness of training providers and other opportunities Statewide. The Specialists collaborate closely with DYS Central Office Leadership, DYS Regional & field staff, Career Navigators, Single Service Providers, training providers, MassHire partners, and employers to support youth in building skills, earning credentials, and accessing sustainable career pathways.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Job Opportunity Research & Communication
• Employer & Training Provider Engagement; Certifications & Credentials
• Trades & Apprenticeships Exposure
• Youth Engagement & Direct Support
• Meetings, Administrative Support & Data Entry

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Experience working with workforce, vocational, or apprenticeship systems
• Knowledge of labor market information analysis
• Experience working with system involved youth
• Familiarity with state workforce development programs
• Background in youth development, coaching, or case management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel statewide with 24 hours notice
• Ability to complete mandatory 2.5-week basic training in person in Grafton MA
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with youth and partners
• Knowledge of workforce development, training systems, and/or youth services
• Program and project management experience, particularly in the area of youth development and supplemental education or workforce development programming
• Ability to effectively manage multiple project activities, to structure and plan own work.

Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belongings As a leader in workforce development, Commonwealth Corporation is committed to having Diversity, Equity and Inclusion embedded into the programs and services we offer, reflected in the people we impact and our workplace culture. Commonwealth Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Employment Opportunity: Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Research suggests that qualified women and Black & Indigenous POC may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CommCorp to apply for this role. The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks.