Workforce Specialist

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Economic and Workforce Development, this position will act as a liaison between school districts and the Workforce Center. The Workforce Center’s Pre-apprenticeship and Career Readiness programs provide high school juniors and seniors with the training and skills necessary to enter the workforce. Offering them opportunities to explore careers, receive hands-on training, earn industry recognized credentials and network with local employers. In addition, through K-12 Career Readiness and Explore Summer Camp, students are introduced to the trades early. The Workforce Specialist will assist in the coordination of Fairfield County Workforce Center’s Pre-Apprenticeship, Explore Summer Camp and Career Readiness Programs. This position will help develop the next generation of skilled employees, providing a pipeline of skilled workers for local employers.

Pre-Apprenticeship programs: Act as a liaison between school districts and the Workforce Center to ensure accurate updates on enrollment, grades and attendance. Provide logistical support for program events. Work with pre-apprenticeship students on career readiness skills and address any concerns of students. Coordinate Discovery Days and work with schools to increase enrollment in the programs. Manage tracking for the programs.

Career Readiness program: Provide leadership to Career Navigators to assist with their day-to-day activities, review and adjust or develop curriculum, coordinate employer visits and tours, create and administer school presentations, and work with partner agencies for workshops for the students. Manage tracking for the programs.

Business Engagement: Communicate with business partners to schedule mock interviews, interviews, workshops, site visits, presentations, and student progress updates. Recruit new businesses to partner with Career Readiness and hire pre-apprenticeship students.

Summer Camp: Assist in the day-to-day coordination of Explore Summer Camp. This includes helping with organizing instructors, ensuring rosters are complete and communication goes out, handling any student or parent questions, and tracking results of the program.

Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

WORKING CONDITIONS: