Career Center Consultant - Limited at State of Augusta, Maine

Careercenter Consultant - Apprenticeship Navigator

Want to make a difference in people's lives? The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Employment Services is seeking a limited-period CareerCenter Consultant - Apprenticeship Navigator (through Summer 2027) to support statewide workforce development initiatives. This position was established through Maine Public Law 2023, Chapter 683 (H.P. 972 - L.D. 1517) and plays a critical role in expanding access to apprenticeship and workforce opportunities across Maine. The Apprenticeship Navigator will focus on improving access for racial, ethnic, and tribal communities that have been disproportionately impacted by barriers to employment, housing, and education. We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience in these communities or experience supporting them to apply. The Apprenticeship Navigator will lead outreach, engagement, and workforce navigation efforts to connect individuals to employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities. This role requires strong community engagement, collaboration with workforce partners, and the ability to guide individuals through career pathways. Extensive statewide travel is required.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct outreach and build relationships with racial, ethnic, and tribal communities through community organizations, schools, tribal entities, and service providers
• Provide career counseling, vocational assessments, and individualized guidance
• Connect individuals to employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities, including Registered and Pre-Apprenticeship programs
• Develop customized employment and training plans
• Deliver workshops and group sessions on workforce readiness topics
• Share labor market information with job seekers
• Track participant engagement and outcomes using data management systems
• Collaborate with employers to identify workforce needs and facilitate job placements

Knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for success in the position:

• Knowledge of job search strategies and workforce placement techniques
• Ability to assess individual skills, interests, and career goals
• Strong interviewing, counseling, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Minimum qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Interpersonal skills: Ability to build trust, communicate effectively, and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Customer service: Commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of customers
• Accountability: Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and take ownership of work
• Planning and organization: Ability to organize tasks, set goals, and adapt to changing priorities

Preference will be given to those applicants demonstrating:

• Experience working with diverse or underserved populations
• Lived experience in, or demonstrated experience supporting, racial, ethnic, or tribal communities
• Experience in workforce development, employer engagement, or community-based services
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual platforms
• Experience working with employers and community partners

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals overcome barriers and access sustainable career pathways, while contributing to Maine's workforce development goals.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine include:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including non-birthing and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.