Community Coordinator/Career Specialist- Workforce Services (Houma, LA)

Essential Functions:

The Community Coordinator/Career Specialist builds and maintains strong relationships with employers, community stakeholders, and reentry support services to promote successful reintegration and long-term employment outcomes for participants. This position works collaboratively with the Bayou Region Reentry Team, the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and other partner agencies to ensure participants are engaged, supported, and connected to opportunities. Responsibilities include coordinating day-to-day activities such as engaging employers, facilitating community outreach, supporting participants with job readiness and placement, organizing job and career fairs, and maintaining accurate records of progress. The role also includes tracking employment outcomes and submitting monthly reports to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

This role requires a strong understanding of local economic and labor market trends, effective employer outreach strategies, and knowledge of community resources and partnerships. The position calls for excellent communication and coordination skills to engage community stakeholders, build employer relationships, and support participants’ career development. Flexibility and experience in workforce development, case management, or related fields are essential to successfully connect participants with employment opportunities and facilitate their reentry into the workforce.

1.      Community Engagement & Coordination

·        Facilitate communication and coordination among community stakeholders to support LA-PRI goals and initiatives.

·        Serve as a liaison between community partners and Probation & Parole Co-Chair to incorporate community feedback and address concerns.

·        Organize meetings, focus groups and events to maintain effective two-way communication channels and enhance participants’ access to services and opportunities.

·        Collaborate with community leaders, stakeholders, and partners to identify local resources and overcome barriers faced by program participants.

·        Support outreach and public education initiatives to raise awareness, foster trust, and strengthen ongoing community partnerships that support successful reentry.

·        Support IST committees, maintain meeting records, and assist in developing and implementing the Annual Local Comprehensive Reentry Plan.

2.      Participant Career Support

·        Provide one-on-one job coaching, including career exploration, job search strategies, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.

·        Assist participants with developing and refining resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

·        Support participants in navigating online job applications and providing technical assistance as needed.

·        Collaborate with Career Navigators, service providers, and community partners to support participants’ employment journeys.

3.      Employer Outreach & Employment Support

·        Build and maintain relationships with employers to secure work experiences, internships, and employment opportunities.

·        Actively connect participants with job openings and employment opportunities aligned with their skills and goals.

·        Attend career fairs, networking, and industry events to promote participants and develop employer connections that lead to job opportunities.

·        Organize job and career fairs to connect participants with local employers and expand employment opportunities.

·        Verify participant employment status to ensure accurate program documentation and support.

4.      Documentation & Reporting

·        Maintain accurate records of community engagement, employer outreach, participant progress, and employment outcomes.

·        Prepare and submit a monthly report summarizing activities, events, employment efforts, and program outcomes as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

1.      Strong ability to build and maintain partnerships with employers, community organizations, and government agencies to support successful participant outcomes.

2.      Knowledge of local labor market trends, employer needs, and effective workforce development strategies.

3.      Skilled in participant career coaching, including job readiness, resume development, interview preparation, and digital job search navigation.

4.      Effective facilitation and community engagement skills, including organizing job fairs, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events.

5.      Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

6.      Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to engage participants, employers, colleagues, and community stakeholders.

7.      Ability to prepare accurate documentation, track participant progress, and generate clear and timely reports for program evaluation.

8.      Demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality of participant and program-related information, and resolve challenges with professionalism.

9.      Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with participants, colleagues, and partners while contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team and program goals, objectives, and activities.

10.   Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment, including occasional evenings, weekends, or extended hours as needed to support program events and participant needs.

Requirements:

1.      Minimum of a BA or BS degree is required, or three years of experience in organizations involved with workforce development, criminal justice, social work, human services, program development, records management, or sales/marketing with a focus on employer engagement and relationship-building.

2.      Excellent oral and written communication skills.

3.      Must be proficient in operating a computer and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other social media applications.

4.      Must possess valid operator's license, provide own transportation, and maintain current vehicle registration, liability insurance and vehicle inspection.

5.      Must be able to clear DMV check.

6.      Must be able to receive authorization to provide services in assigned correctional facilities.

7.      Must be ambulatory.

Physical/Mental Demands:

Must be able to tolerate frequent periods of high stress, heavy workload, and multiple priorities.  Must be able to see, hear, speak, and otherwise communicate effectively.