The Foraker Group

Job Summary

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Vocational Education Specialist

WORK HOURS: Full-time (40 hrs./wk., Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm), with flexibility based on program needs.

SUPERVISOR: Career Readiness Manager

TEAM: Center for Workforce Excellence

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Vocational Education Specialist delivers trauma-informed, client-centered instruction, coaching, and vocational pathway development to support career advancement and long-term economic mobility. Serving as a strong educator and curriculum designer, this position develops and delivers industry-aligned curricula in academic and digital literacy, ACT WorkKeys, career readiness, and vocational skills. Responsibilities include lesson planning, skills assessment, individualized learning support, technology instruction, and evaluating participant progress. In collaboration with employers, training providers, and community partners, the specialist connects participants to hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, formal vocational education, and competitive employment opportunities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Vocational Education Development & Training Placements

• Build, maintain, and expand active community partnerships with vocational training providers, industry representatives, and local business partners to ensure a wide array of training and  placement opportunities.
• Match participants to appropriate vocational training programs and secure necessary subsidies (DOL, Work Services Supportive Services, etc.) prior to utilizing internal funding.
• Track client attendance, progress, and credential attainment. Follow up regularly with participants and training providers to collect Measurable Skill Gain documentation, certificates of completion, and exits.

Vocational Education Outreach & Program Development

• Conduct proactive outreach, cold calls, and site visits with vocational training institutions, trade schools, community colleges, and industry training providers to establish formal training partnerships. 
• Analyze real-time Anchorage labor market trends to identify emerging high-demand industries, skill shortages, and relevant credentialing opportunities for participants.
• Develop tailored vocational pathways, including short-term skill certificates, stackable credentials, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, specialized vocational training programs and curriculum design.
• Facilitate direct participant referrals to vocational programs and coordinate pre-enrollment, funding/subsidies (DOL / Work Services), and ongoing supportive services to ensure program completion and credential attainment.Collaborate directly with educational and vocational training partners at career fairs, info sessions, and community recruitment events to co-develop industry-aligned training pathways tailored to workforce needs.

Vocational & Career Readiness Instruction

• Deliver engaging, learner-centered instruction in Career Readiness, digital literacy, and workplace employability skills tailored for vocational pathways.
• Utilize approved academic and career assessment tools (including ACT WorkKeys) to evaluate skills levels and designed tailored learning plans.
• Conduct instruction across multiple formats, in-person classes, small group tutoring, 1:1 coaching, and online distance learning platforms, while maintaining a safe, welcome learning space.

Career Coaching, Assessment & Readiness Services

•  Formulate and adapt individualized Career Action Plans, ensuring all coaching directly aligns with Work Services’ Family Self-Sufficiency Plans.
•  Deliver client-centered career coaching, exploration, and goal setting anchored in Nine Star’s Philosophy of Care (Compassion, Excellence, and Collaboration).
• Evaluate participant qualifications, core competencies, and employment barriers through structured reviews of resumes, cover letters, and interviewing proficiency.
•  Deliver targeted instruction and guidance in resume development, interview techniques, workplace professionalism, communication, and job search strategies.
• Provide ongoing post-placement support, career pipeline coaching, and problem-solving assistance to both clients and institutions.
• Guide participants through essential workforce tools and regulatory portals, including AKCIS, AlaskaJobs, and MyAlaska.
• Collaborate closely with Career Coaches and other staff to support integrated education and workforce services, ensuring services are in line with the client’s FSSP, as applicable.
• Adapt instruction to meet diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels.
• Support daily operations at the Career Success Center, collaborate with Work Services Specialists, mentor staff in trauma-informed care, and maintain timely, accurate database records.
• Partner with Work Service Specialists to drive successful employment outcomes across Center for Workforce Excellence and Work Service programs. Provide targeted career coaching, job search assistance, referrals, and follow-up services.

Program Administration & Compliance

• Maintain meticulous, real-time participant files in the CfWE database, recording qualitative progress notes, status updates, and exit summaries.
• Submit precise data reports and program documentation in full compliance with organizational standards, funder requirements, and established deadlines.
• Collaborate with CfWE staff to coordinate participant services, participate in case staffing and program planning, and support continuous program improvement.
• Perform additional specialized duties as assigned to advance organizational objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Confidentiality & Compliance: Strict adherence to privacy regulations, social service standards, and client confidentiality policies.
• Program Expertise: In-depth knowledge of workforce development program requirements and operational procedures.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in MS Office Suite and workforce databases (FileMaker Pro, AlaskaJobs, AKCIS).
• Collaboration & Initiative: Proven ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Communication & Crisis De-escalation: Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with crisis de-escalation expertise.
• Organization & Time Management: Demonstrate ability to prioritize dynamic workloads, meet deadlines, and multitask.
• Professionalism & Adaptability: Sound judgment, professional demeanor, dependability, and rapid adaptability.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., navigate stairs, and remain seated for extended periods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience: Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Human or Social Services, Vocational Education, Career Counseling, or Community Development, or related field.  Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis. 
• Have a minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in case management or related field. 
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with Alaska labor market dynamics, regional hiring trends, and state workforce systems (AlaskaJobs, AKCIS, MyAlaska).
• Communication & Sales Skills: Proven ability to build business relationships, pitch workforce solutions to external executives, and deliver engaging classroom instruction.
• Database & Technical Proficiency: Strong administrative skills with demonstrated accuracy in CRM/client database management and reporting compliance.
• Background Check: Willing to submit to and pass a full criminal background check.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & APPROVALS

I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position.