Career Pathways Specialist

Position Summary

The Career Pathways Specialist connects Career Seekers with employment, education, training, apprenticeship, and career pathway opportunities that support long-term career success. This position collaborates with Workforce Advisors, Job Developers, Business Services, and training providers to help Career Seekers identify career goals, access workforce resources, participate in training opportunities, and transition into employment. The Specialist coordinates career pathway activities, promotes workforce opportunities, builds partnerships with employers and training providers, and supports Career Seekers in connecting education and training to employment.

training opportunities, and transition into employment. The Specialist coordinates career pathway activities, promotes workforce opportunities, builds partnerships with employers and training providers, and supports Career Seekers in connecting education and training to employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Career Pathways & Customer Support

• Provide excellent customer service to all Career Seekers.
• Assist Career Seekers in identifying career goals, career pathways, education, and training opportunities aligned with their interests, skills, and employment goals.
• Provide career coaching and guidance to support informed career and training decisions.
• Recommend workforce resources and services based on each Career Seeker's individual needs.
• Refer Career Seekers to Workforce Advisors, Job Developers, workshops, and partner agencies as appropriate.
• Conduct workshops on training opportunities, career pathways, and workforce resources.
• Support Career Seekers throughout their participation in education and training programs by identifying barriers and coordinating appropriate referrals.
• Case Management Self-Initiated Participants
• Manage an assigned caseload of self-initiated participants from enrollment through training completion or program exit.
• Maintain weekly contact with participants to monitor attendance, progress, and barriers to successful completion.
• Ensure timely follow-up, accurate documentation, and compliance with EARN and DHS requirements.
• Review participant progress and update Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) and goals
• Enter weekly progress notes
• Submit attendance records and timesheets on behalf of participants to ensure timely reporting of participation hours.
• Coordinate with Workforce Advisors, training providers, and the Data Department to maintain accurate participant records and support successful outcomes.
• Monitor credential attainment, employment placement, and retention milestones.

Job Matching & Employment Services

• Connect Career Seekers completing training with Job Developers to facilitate employment placement.
• Work collaboratively with Job Developers, Business Services Representatives, and Workforce Advisors to identify employment opportunities aligned with participant training credentials earned.
• Refer qualified Career Seekers to employment opportunities and hiring events.
• Maintain regular communication with internal staff regarding participant employment goals and progress.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers offering registered and non-registered apprenticeships and connect Career Seekers to apprenticeship opportunities that align with their interests and career goals.                                              
• Attend regular meetings with funders, education and training providers, apprenticeship programs, and community partners.
• Coordinate career pathway information sessions, provider presentations, career exploration activities, and recruitment events.
• Plan and coordinate training-focused job fairs in collaboration with the Business Services Team and Job Developers.
• Maintain current information regarding available education, occupational skills training, apprenticeship, and credentialing opportunities; and promote among customers and staff.
• Coordinate with Workforce Advisors to ensure Career Seekers participating in training receive appropriate supportive services.
• Monitor Career Seekers participating in training and maintaining communication with Workforce Advisors, training providers, and Job Developers regarding participant progress.
• Complete training applications for interested Career Seekers and maintain comprehensive knowledge of each education and training program’s eligibility requirements, including entrance assessments, required entrance assessments (e.g., CASAS), background clearances, educational prerequisites, and other enrollment requirements
• Coordinate reverse referrals with Universal Services, WIOA Workforce Advisors to ensure Career Seekers are connected to appropriate education, training, and employment opportunities.

Data Entry & Reporting

• Prepare weekly reports on training referrals, participant engagement, provider activities, employment outcomes, and credential attainment. Ensure participant activity and outcomes are accurately documented in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS), Salesforce, and other workforce information systems, as applicable.
• Track participant referrals to education, training, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities, and maintain accurate case progress notes and documentation in CWDS, Salesforce, and other workforce information systems.
• Collect, maintain, and verify program data to ensure timely, accurate, and complete reporting.
• Assist with collecting and maintaining program documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Participate in meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Support special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Provides equitable and respectful service to individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences.
• Builds collaborative relationships with Career Seekers, employers, training providers, community partners, and colleagues.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adapts to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Possesses strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual communication platforms, and CRMs.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

• Associate's or bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Counseling, Education, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in workforce development, career services, employment services, case management, education, or a related field.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Build relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other computer applications.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills