Facilitator/Career Coach - FT

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 Facilitator/Career Coach is responsible for providing support to programs within the division of Public Strategies that develops, informs and implements strategies and interventions in a broad range of areas working with low income and disadvantaged families including: Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO) 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 relationship, parenting, and job readiness.

The Facilitator/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 Facilitator/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, 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

• Lead small group activities and individual discussions that reinforce workshop content and generate insight into continued learning
• Guide participant groups through the assessment process by determining their skill level, industry experience and education/training needs.
• Offer assistance and support for light to moderate caseloads by assessing needs through case management principles in both group and individual settings
• Reinforce curriculum and develop individual plans with participants
• Collaborate with employment and training teams to develop and maintain awareness of available employment and training opportunities
• Coach, guide, and support participants on the training and employment pathway that best supports their goals for self-sufficiency
• Assist with enrollment into programs at partnering education/training institutions to enhance job readiness and employability by meeting regularly with members of the employment and training teams
• Assist with developing resumes and cover letters, identify opportunities for employment and assist with the application and interview process
• Coordinate supports that reduce barriers and assist the participant with workshop attendance, participation in program activities, and job search and make referrals to partnering agencies as appropriate
• Provide feedback to program staff and leaders on participants’ responses to the workshop content and activities
• Assist with other activities that help program participants with job search and learning activities, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree related experience in Social Work, Psychology, Communications, Human Relations, or related field, required
• Four years of equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of education

Experience

• Experience with community and/or family engagement within low-income communities, required
• Experience with exposure and understanding of trauma-informed care as a guiding principle of working with people of diverse populations, required
• Experience working in a mentoring or advising role, preferred
• Experience with ETO, SalesForce, Oracle, or similar client-based database management platforms, preferred

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when required
• Ability to demonstrate motivational interviewing techniques, preferred
• Must be flexible and able to work in a fast-paced environment; required
• 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, required
• Ability to recognize growth opportunities 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;
• Knowledge of workforce or industry trends in Oklahoma is highly recommended
• Established relationships with community providers, a plus
• 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 License