Workforce Specialist

The CHA will begin reviewing applications and interviewing immediately upon submission. Once an individual has been hired for this role, this posting will be closed. This posting will be open for submissions no later than January 30th, 2026.

Position Description 

The Workforce Specialist supports the People Plan component of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant (CNI People Plan) for the One Westside community by coordinating, implementing, and monitoring workforce and employment-focused strategies. This includes job readiness, career pathways, vocational training, and employment support services for residents. The position works collaboratively with the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) staff, residents, employers, training providers, workforce boards, and community-based organizations to improve employment outcomes and economic mobility for Westside residents.

The Workforce Specialist plays a key role in advancing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CNI goals related to workforce development, job placement, skill-building, and career advancement. This role requires strong community engagement skills, data tracking and reporting capacity, and the ability to coordinate multiple partners while maintaining compliance with HUD reporting and performance requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The statements contained herein reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve others, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

1. Plans, coordinates, and implements workforce development and employment strategies under the CNI People Plan, including job readiness, vocational training, career pathway programs, apprenticeships, and adult employment supports.


2. Serves as the primary liaison between CHA and workforce partners, including employers, workforce development boards, vocational training providers, community colleges, and other workforce service providers serving One Westside residents.


3. Collaborates with the CHA’s Resident Engagement Department staff members to identify resident workforce needs, barriers, and goals, and connects residents with appropriate employment and training resources.


4. Coordinates resident access to workforce services, including resume preparation, interview coaching, job placement, career counseling, vocational training, certification programs, and apprenticeships.


5. Tracks participation, performance, and outcomes for workforce-related activities, ensuring accurate data entry, documentation, and compliance with HUD CNI reporting requirements.


6. Leads coordination of CNI Section 3 requirements by working with CHA, CNI Housing and Neighborhood entities to track, document, and report Section 3 employment, training, and contracting outcomes, ensuring One Westside residents benefit from economic opportunities generated through CNI activities.


7. Prepares and contributes to HUD-required quarterly and annual reports, performance narratives, and outcome documentation related to workforce development goals and benchmarks.


8. Supports the planning and facilitation of resident workshops, information sessions, and community meetings focused on employment, career pathways, and skill-building.


9. Monitors workforce-related partner deliverables, timelines, and agreements to ensure alignment with CHA expectations and the approved CNI Plan.


10. Maintains accurate, confidential records related to resident participation, referrals, and workforce outcomes, in accordance with CHA policies and data privacy standards.


11. Exhibits and encourages behaviors that uphold CHA’s core values.


12. Keeps abreast of HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations impacting assigned programs and makes recommendations to the Project Director.


13. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees, residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.


14. Attends and/or participates in various meetings related to the CHA as required.


15. Reports consistently to assigned work location(s) in accordance with established work schedule, and must be reliable.


16. Provides outstanding customer service by responding to phone calls, emails, and written correspondence in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.


17. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and families from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.


2. Knowledge of workforce systems, job readiness programs, career pathways, vocational training, and employment support services.


3. Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple agencies and stakeholders.


4. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and documentation for funders and partners.


5. Ability to organize, track, and analyze data related to workforce participation and outcomes.


6. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.


7. Ability to work independently and in-group settings and use sound judgment in decision-making and problem solving.


8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to learn new data systems as required.


9. Ability to understand and apply HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to workforce and CNI programming.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

1. A high school diploma/GED is required and graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.


2. Three to five years of experience working in workforce development, employment services, job training programs, case management, or a related field is preferred.


3. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which, in the sole determination of the Project Director, provides the required knowledge and abilities, may be considered sufficient.

Physical/Mental Requirements

1. Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of office equipment.


2. Ability to move, handle, or lift small objects in the workplace.

Special Requirements

1. Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation and be insurable under CHA’s automobile insurance if required to drive an automobile by CHA.


2. Criminal background checks and drug screening will be performed.


3. Demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software applications.

The CHA does not unlawfully discriminate in hiring or in any of the terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, age, religion, gender, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin, creed, color, military service or veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.