Senior Employment Specialist - Work Based Learning

Overview We are looking for two Senior Employment Specialists, Work Based Learning, to join our Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD) team to support employers with their workforce needs and support job seekers both youth and adults with meaningful opportunities. The Senior Employment Specialists, Work Based Learning will be primarily responsible for engaging with Larimer County employers to develop and support meaningful work‑based learning opportunities that connect businesses with a diverse talent pool of youth and adult job seekers across our community. These Senior Specialist positions will conduct business outreach, relationship‑building, and the coordination efforts necessary to expand employer participation in workforce development initiatives and to create pathways that benefit both businesses and participants. Responsibilities include building and maintaining strong partnerships not only with businesses but with industry associations and sector partnerships, educational institutions, community organizations, and workforce partners to identify and implement a full spectrum of work‑based learning opportunities. These opportunities may include paid internships, pre‑apprenticeships and apprenticeships, on‑the‑job training, job shadowing, worksite tours, career fairs, project‑based learning, clinical experiences, informational interviews, and other workforce development and talent pipeline activities designed to prepare participants for successful employment and help employers meet their current and future workforce needs. This role serves as a key liaison between employers, internal department staff, and participants, helping businesses develop talent pipelines that address current and emerging workforce needs while connecting individuals to opportunities aligned to develop their skills, interests, and career goals. Participants may include youth, laid‑off workers, individuals with barriers to employment, career changers, and other job seekers representing a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, educational experiences, work histories, ages, and career aspirations. Successful candidates will stay informed on labor market trends, industry demands, and workforce development strategies, and will connect with County businesses, the Senior Employment Specialists, Work Based Learning help employers access qualified talent and support participants in gaining the skills, confidence, and experience needed to secure quality employment. The position requires exceptional relationship‑building abilities, business acumen, coordination across multiple stakeholders, and a commitment to advancing equitable access to career opportunities for all members of the community. It also requires strong data, data systems and project management skills, being comfortable with CRMs and having attention to detail in tracking for federal and state grant compliance management. Responsibilities What you'll be doing: Build and maintain strong relationships with County employers, educational partners, sector partnerships, and community organizations to develop meaningful work‑based learning opportunities, internships, hiring events, and employment pathways for youth and adult job seekers. Accurately complete data entry, case documentation, record keeping, and reporting using routine software and business applications including databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software while ensuring compliance and attention to detail. Conduct onsite employer outreach and business engagement to identify, develop, and support work sites and placements that align with employer workforce needs and participant career goals. Ability to comfortably present to a variety of audiences. Facilitate relationship‑building between employer host sites and WBL participants by supporting communication, expectations, problem‑solving, and ongoing engagement throughout the work‑based learning experience. Develop and implement creative workforce development strategies and individualized employment approaches that support positive outcomes for both the employer partners and participants. Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing with employers, coworkers, community partners and WBL participants in a fast‑paced and collaborative environment. Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to employer and WBL participant needs, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, conflict resolution skills, and a strong commitment to customer service and relationship‑building. What We're Looking For We are seeking two collaborative, adaptable, and relationship‑driven professionals who are passionate about workforce development and helping businesses and individuals succeed. The ideal candidates will bring a combination of employer engagement experience, business workforce development coaching skills, networking skills, strong organization, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with employer outreach, business engagement, marketing, or workforce partnership development, including proactively building relationships with local employers and community partners. Strong attention to detail and experience with documentation, record keeping, case notes, data/CRM tracking, and technology systems to ensure accuracy and compliance. Strong employment counseling, coaching, and career exploration skills, with the ability to guide businesses toward meaningful workforce development opportunities. Ability to adapt to change, manage multiple priorities, and remain flexible in a dynamic, fast‑paced, and data‑driven environment. Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Ability to give presentations to a diverse set of audiences. Ability to provide high‑quality services in both in‑person and virtual settings while building meaningful and professional relationships with employers, partners and participants. Demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, along with strong organizational abilities and a proven ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines. Qualifications All candidates will be screened for the following required minimum qualifications. Any candidate who does not meet all of the qualifications listed as required will be eliminated from the process. High School Diploma or GED Four (4) years of experience as an Employment Specialist or equivalent combination of education and/or experience working with under‑served populations in the context of job development and job search activities. Related education or experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis. Benefits Here's what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan) Short- and Long‑Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Basic Life/AD&D Insurance Accident and Critical Illness Insurance Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match 457(b) Deferred Compensation Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays Supplemental Information The ideal candidate is collaborative, adaptable, organized, and passionate about workforce development and economic vitality. They are comfortable working directly with employers to understand employers hiring needs, offering consulting assistance around hiring strategies, designing innovative work‑based learning solutions, and supporting diverse participants as they participate in these opportunities. These roles are approximately 80% business customer facing and 20% client customer facing. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is primarily based in the Fort Collins office, with occasional travel to partner locations throughout Larimer County. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks or testing. Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation. #J-18808-Ljbffr