WIOA Career Coach presso Hindscc

JOB TITLE: WIOA Career Coach

REPORTS TO: Director of WIOA and Community Development                                        

DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development

EXEMPT: Yes                                                           

VICE PRESIDENT: Associate Vice President Workforce Development

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION

All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.

The WIOA Career Coach plays a pivotal role in supporting unemployed and underemployed individuals, postsecondary Workforce Training, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Academic Students, and Adult Education students pursuing their high school equivalency by providing comprehensive career guidance, coaching, and resources. The Career Coach assists individuals in exploring, preparing for, and connecting to living wage careers, thereby facilitating economic empowerment and workforce development within the community.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Proven experience in career counseling, coaching, or related roles, preferably in the context of workforce development or education.
• Strong understanding of career development principles, labor market trends, and employment services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, motivate individuals, and foster positive relationships.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and engaging manner.
• Familiarity with funding sources and financial assistance programs available for training and education.
• Demonstrate ability to navigate and utilize traditional and digital tools and platforms for recruitment, training support, and employer engagement.
• Proficiency in utilizing career assessment tools, online resources, and technology platforms for career exploration and job search assistance.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Counseling, Social Work, Education, or related field required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

Maintain knowledge of diversity-related issues, legislation, and best practices. 

Career Guidance and Coaching:

• Conduct one-on-one career coaching sessions with unemployed and underemployed individuals to assess their skills, interests, aptitudes, and career goals.
• Provide personalized guidance and support to CTE and academic students at community colleges, as well as adult education students, in identifying career pathways aligned with their career goals and abilities.
• Assist individuals in developing career plans, setting goals, and navigating the job market effectively.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to training participants to enhance retention rates and ensure program completion.
• Address barriers and challenges that may arise during the training process, offering solutions and resources to overcome obstacles.

Resource Coordination:

• Connect individuals with relevant resources, programs, and services available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), community colleges, and other workforce partner organizations.
• Coordinate referrals to training programs, apprenticeships, internships, and other skill-building opportunities to enhance participants' employability and career prospects.
• Understand the different funding sources available to customers for completing training activities, including WIOA funds, scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

Employment Preparation:

• Provide assistance with resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional networking to empower individuals in securing living wage employment opportunities.
• Conduct workshops and group sessions on topics such as job readiness, soft skills development, financial literacy, and workplace etiquette.
• Cultivate strong relationships with employers and training providers to facilitate quality job placements for program completers.

Career Exploration and Development:

• Facilitate career exploration activities, including job shadowing, informational interviews, and career assessments, to help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths.
• Utilize career assessments, labor market tools (e.g., O*NET, CareerOne Stop), and digital platforms to guide clients in making informed career decisions.
• Leverage virtual platforms and job boards to facilitate remote coaching, job search, and workshop delivery.
• Stay abreast of labor market trends, industry demand sectors, and emerging job opportunities to guide individuals in pursuing viable and sustainable career options.
• Stay abreast of sector-specific training programs offered by partnering community colleges and training providers.
• Assist individuals in navigating the training application and enrollment process.
• Assist individuals in navigating the funding application process and accessing available resources to support their training endeavors.

Performance:

• Gather and evaluate participant and employer feedback to inform continuous improvement of services and community partnerships.
• Monitor and document participant progress, service delivery, and outcomes using case management systems in alignment with WIOA reporting requirements.
• Analyze data to assess program effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed to meet performance benchmarks.
• Submit monthly performance reporting on required tracking outcomes and performance metrics.

Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with local employers, industry partners, educational institutions, and community-based organizations to promote workforce development initiatives and facilitate employer engagement.
• Conduct outreach activities, informational sessions, and recruitment events to raise awareness of training opportunities and encourage participation.
• Build strong relationships with High School Career Coaches to provide a soft landing in high demand, high wage, and high skill training.
• Participate in outreach events, career fairs, and networking opportunities to raise awareness of WIOA and workforce partner services and connect individuals to employment and training opportunities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those

an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and the employee is occasionally required to perform job responsibilities in the outdoors and off site.

We promote a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths, ideas, and capabilities. We believe that our differences enable us to make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver better results.

Mission

Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Vision

Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Values

Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS:                                

• Integrity
• Diversity
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Stewardship

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve our communities.

The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding  these policies:

EEOC Compliance: The Office of Human Resources Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3396 or Email: [email protected].

Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: [email protected].