Job Title: Workforce Support Specialist
Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Strategic Initiatives
Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Status: Full-time
Date: March 2024 About Us:
Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to
fostering the professional growth of recent southwest Iowa graduates. As an industry leader,
Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa is committed to bridging the gap between education and
employment, ensuring that Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa alumni enter the workforce with
confidence and competence. Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa is currently seeking a passionate
and results-driven Workforce Support Specialist to join the team. Job Overview:
Under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Workforce Support Specialist will
play a pivotal role in connecting Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa students with exciting career
opportunities within their respective fields. The Workforce Support Specialist will collaborate
with colleagues, educational institutions, employers, and students to build strong relationships
and facilitate successful career experiences and placements. This role requires a keen
understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to
empowering young people on their career journey. In addition, the Workforce Support
Specialist will carry a caseload of workforce postsecondary students, providing support and
guidance during this portion of their Avenue Scholars SWI programming.Key Responsibilities: Industry Research: Stay well-informed of industry trends, job market demands, andemerging opportunities to effectively guide recent graduates.Employer Outreach: Proactively reach out to employers to understand their hiring needsand promote the benefits of hiring recent graduates from our programs.Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry professionals, and educational institutions to facilitate seamless career placement.Case Management: Providing comprehensive case management services, ensuring personalized support and guidance for Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa students throughout their educational and career journey.Workforce Support: Provide personalized career counseling and guidance Avenue Scholars SWI students, assisting them in identifying their strengths, interests, and potential career paths.Networking Events: Organize and participate in networking events, career fairs, and industry-specific gatherings to promote our graduates and connect them with potential employers.Employability Skills Workshops: Conduct workshops to help graduates create compelling resumes and develop effective job search strategies.Team Collaboration: Maintain a close-knit relationship with Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa coaches to ensure students are receiving quality career exploration and awareness opportunities, appropriate career coaching, and ultimately sustainable career placement.Follow-up: Maintain ongoing communication with placed students to ensure their success in their new roles and gather feedback for continuous improvement. Education:Bachelor's degree in a relevant education field is required.Master's degree in a relevant education field is preferred.Experience:Proven experience in career counseling, recruitment, or a related field preferred.Strong knowledge of industry trends and job market dynamics.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.Results-driven mindset with a passion for empowering recent graduates.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:Knowledge of basic adolescent development and coaching fundamentals.Knowledge of scholarship opportunities as well as local postsecondary education/training options.Knowledge of school and community resources available to meet student needs.Knowledge of high-demand, financially sustaining career options in area job market.Ability to effectively manage a workshop, engage students, and facilitate progress among a variety of learners within a workshop environment.Ability to develop and provide meaningful curriculum and experiences that benefit students' readiness for postsecondary education/training and careers.Ability to understand student challenges and assist them in problem solving and goal setting.Ability to advocate for students and represent the organization in a positive, professional manner.Ability to relate well with diverse populations and at-risk teens and young adults.Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, co-workers, businesses and community partners.Must be outgoing, patient, persistent, flexible, personable, positive, self-confident, self-starter, and upbeat.Strong planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple projectsExcellent listening and communication (oral and written) skills.Must operate with a high degree of professionalism and accountability.Must be punctual in attending work-related events, responding to communication, and completing assigned tasks.Work Environment:
This position works at the Avenue Scholars SWI home office. In addition, this position may work
within postsecondary educational institutions, and area businesses. How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant
experience and interest in the position to . Please include "Workforce
Support Specialist Application" in the subject line.
Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and
are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
