Position Summary

The R3 (Refocus, Retrain, and Re-Employ) HRD Career Specialist provides workforce development services to individuals seeking employment, education, and career advancement opportunities. This role focuses on supporting diverse populations—including justice-involved individuals, unemployed adults, and underemployed workers—by delivering career coaching, job readiness evaluation, and work search skills training.

Required Education/Experience

• Associate degree in Human Services, Counseling, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) required
• Experience in workforce development, career coaching, or case management
• Strong technology skills with experience facilitating virtual meetings such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals with barriers to employment

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills

• Due to the changing landscape within Rowan & Cabarrus counties, a bilingual candidate is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of HRD programs, NCWorks, or WIOA.
• Experience with reentry or justice-involved populations.
• Familiarity with labor market trends and local employers.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Career coaching and motivational interviewing
• Relationship-building and employer outreach
• Problem-solving and resource coordination
• Organization and data tracking
• Cultural competence and empathy

Duties

Career Coaching & Planning

• Conduct individualized career assessments to evaluate participant skills, interests, and employment barriers
• Develop personalized employment and career advancement plans
• Provide ongoing career coaching and goal-setting support

Job Readiness & Skills Development

• Deliver or coordinate job readiness workshops (resume writing, interviewing, workplace expectations)
• Assist participants with job search strategies and applications
• Support digital literacy and basic workforce skills development

Barrier Reduction & Support Services

• Identify and address barriers to employment (e.g., transportation, housing, legal history, childcare)
• Connect participants to community resources, social services, and supportive programs
• Use a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach when working with clients