Career Coach

Public Strategies Overview

Public Strategies (PS) is a nationally respected consulting, project management, and marketing firm based in Oklahoma City. We provide innovative solutions for federal, state, and local clients, including project and program management, training and technical assistance, technology, event management, research and evaluation, video production, and strategic communications. We also deliver research-informed direct services to financially vulnerable Oklahomans, with a focus on strengthening families and improving employment opportunities.

We are a collaborative team of thinkers, creatives, strategists, communicators, builders, researchers, and change agents committed to touching lives, driving change, and doing good well.

Position Summary
The Career Coach is responsible for providing support to programs within the division of Public Strategies that develop, inform and implement strategies and interventions in a broad range of areas working with low income and disadvantaged families including Work Ready Oklahoma efforts focused on workforce development, employment partnerships and placement, adult education, vocational and skills-based job training, job readiness, executive function, and other activities to improve economic self-sufficiency. While utilizing the strength-based approach, the coach will help clients access needs-related resources to alleviate program participation barriers; make connections to supplemental services to achieve goals related to relationships, parenting, and job readiness.

The Career Coach will work with participants in group settings and one-on-one to identify barriers, strengths, and goals and reinforce skills learned in workshops. In addition, the Career Coach will provide information, referral, and follow-up as needed to facilitate participation in program services and activities such as job search, vocational training, educational services, workfare, job retention, and supports for barrier removal. They will be responsible for documenting all communication with and services provided to clients and making this information available for reporting purposes.

Essential Job Functions
Meet with participants to determine skill level, industry experience, and education/training needs;
Guide participant groups through the assessment process;
Conduct one-on-one intake interviews;
Encourage and facilitate workshop attendance and resource center access by identifying and reducing barriers;
Offer assistance and support for basic to moderate caseloads by assessing needs through case management principles in both group and individual settings;
Integrate curriculum and develop individual plans with participants;
Assist with enrollment into programs at partnering education/training institutions to enhance job readiness and employability;
Meet regularly with members of the outreach and employment teams to match participants with opportunities;
Assist with developing resumes and cover letters, identify opportunities for employment and assist with the application and interview process;
Assist with identifying professionals to participate in industry-specific interview panels;
Coordinate supports that will assist the participant with attendance and participation in program activities and make referrals to partnering agencies as appropriate;
Other duties as assigned

Education/Training
Bachelors degree and related experience in Social Work, Psychology, Communications, Human Relations, or related field, required
Eligibility for Case Management Certification preferred
Three years of equivalent experience will be considered instead of education

Experience
Community and/or family engagement within low-income communities is required;
Exposure and understanding of trauma-informed care as a guiding principle for working with people of diverse populations
Ability to demonstrate motivational interviewing techniques
Experience working in a mentoring or advising role, preferred;
Must be flexible and able to work in a fast-paced environment;
Must be very comfortable with public speaking and be able to communicate ideas, advice, feedback, and critiques professionally and concisely in individual and group settings;
Ability to recognize weaknesses and develop plans to aid in personal and career growth;
Must own the process and outcome of equipping participants for success in the labor market;
Experience with ETO, SalesForce, Oracle, or similar client-based database management platforms, preferred
Knowledge of workforce or industry trends in Oklahoma is highly recommended;
Established relationships with community providers are a plus

Special Requirements
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when required
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook with mastery level knowledge and experience, preferred
Must have a valid Driver’s License