Student Success & Workforce Specialist

About Skilled US

Skilled US is a nonprofit workforce development organization preparing Opportunity Youth and adults for family-sustaining careers through tuition-free education and training in high-demand industries. We combine academic instruction, career exposure, and strong wraparound support to help learners move from instability to long-term employment and economic mobility. We operate with urgency, high expectations, and a deep belief in our students. Our team is mission-driven, entrepreneurial, and committed to measurable outcomes.

As a Student Success & Workforce Specialist , you will play a vital role in supporting students enrolled in college-based workforce training programs. This role focuses on persistence, completion, and career outcomes by providing comprehensive coaching, academic support, and career readiness services.

You will equip students with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to successfully navigate workforce/training programs and transition into the workforce. This includes individualized coaching, structured career readiness programming, and collaboration with college/training and employer partners.

The ideal candidate is passionate about student success, skilled in coaching and case management, and committed to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve long-term career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and coaching to students, creating a safe space to discuss academic progress, career goals, and personal barriers
• Collaborate with recruitment and enrollment teams to enroll and onboard new students into new training programs
• Develop and implement individualized student success and career plans
• Maintain consistent student engagement through weekly check-ins
• Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and program milestones
• Track and respond to student drops, withdrawals, and risk indicators; implement timely intervention plans
• Support the development and facilitation of structured career and workforce events
• Provide direct support with resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies
• Contribute to efforts to increase college persistence and career readiness outcomes for all students
• Collaborate with the employer engagement team to connect students with work-based learning opportunities and job opportunities
• Respond to student inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date records in the enrollment management system
• Ensure all documentation and student data are entered according to program standards
• Collaborate with internal teams, college staff, and external partners to connect students to wraparound services and support student success
• Contribute to program improvement efforts and other duties as assigned

Accountability Metrics & Goals

• Student Engagement: Maintain and document weekly touch points with 100% of students
• Retention: Maintain at least 75% student persistence through program midpoint
• Program completion: Support student success strategies that result in 70% or higher program completion rates across all cohorts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience advising, coaching, or supporting adult students or workforce participants
• Experience working with college students, adult learners, or workforce training programs preferred
• Knowledge of workforce development, career pathways, and hiring trends
• Understanding of career advising and education best practices
• Experience with case management or student support service
• Knowledge of Federal and State funding programs such as SNAP and WIOA (preferred)
• Bilingual abilities are a plus (preferred) 

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Proficiency in spreadsheets (Excel), databases, and CRM platforms such as Salesforce
• Excellent active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and a student caseload
• High level of social perceptiveness and service orientation
• Ability to analyze information, identify challenges, and implement solutions effectively

Work Environment

• This hybrid position requires in-person interaction with students, college partners, and community partners as needed, along with remote work flexibility. Local travel may be required.

Impact

• This role is essential in ensuring students not only start programs, but also persist, complete, and successfully transition into careers. The Student Success & Workforce Specialist directly contributes to improving economic mobility and long-term outcomes for the individuals we serve

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. 

Please read carefully.

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.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.